SalaryNode

Average Archivists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Archivists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $91,430. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $64,670, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for specialized roles in this region. The concentration of government institutions and historical organizations likely drives this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $91,430 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,750.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Archivists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears robust, supported by a dedicated workforce of 540 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.81 suggests that this area has a disproportionately large number of Archivists compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for their expertise.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$91,430

The average Archivists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+41.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44

Weekly

$1,758

Monthly

$7,619

Archivists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Archivists in this region typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise in areas like digital preservation, collection management, and archival research, their earning potential escalates, with senior Archivists commanding salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$50,900$24.5
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$68,573$33
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$89,380$43
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$114,288$54.9
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$129,750$62.4

Detailed Archivists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$91,430

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$91,430

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $91,430 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher earnings translate directly into strong purchasing power, allowing Archivists to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without the added financial strain often associated with high-paying metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

0.174

Per 1K Jobs

3.81

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 3.8x the national concentration of Archivists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 3.81, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is a highly concentrated market for Archivists, indicating a significant presence and demand for these professionals relative to other occupations nationwide. This high concentration suggests a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment where specialized skills are highly valued and sought after by numerous institutions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Archivists

CitySalaryDist.
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Archivists Salary$72,990 20%35 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Archivistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Archivists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Archivists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $91,430. This typically ranges from $50,900 for entry-level positions to $129,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 41.4% higher than the national median of $64,670.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Archivists?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Archivists.Archivists in this region earn substantially more than the national average, with their high salaries being directly supported by a cost of living that matches the national average.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Archivists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($72,990) and others.

How does the Archivist salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Archivists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $91,430, which is considerably higher than the national average of $64,670.

What is the concentration of Archivists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?

The area has a Location Quotient of 3.81, meaning Archivists are nearly four times more concentrated here than in the average U.S. location, indicating strong local demand.

How does the Cost of Living affect the Archivist salary in this region?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $91,430 offers excellent purchasing power for Archivists in this metropolitan area.

What is the total workforce size for Archivists locally?

There are approximately 540 Archivists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.174 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.