Average Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn a commanding average annual salary of $131,840. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $94,720, reflecting the region's high concentration of government agencies, research institutions, and private sector entities heavily invested in atmospheric and space research. The specialized nature of this field, coupled with the critical role these professionals play in national security and scientific advancement, drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $131,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $181,210.
- Outlook: The local job market for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 590 professionals. This substantial number, when considered alongside a Location Quotient of 3.32, indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+39.2%above the national average.
$63.4
$2,535
$10,987
Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed across specialized scientific fields, driven by increasing demand, technological advancements, and the rising cost of living, which typically prompts employers to adjust compensation packages to remain competitive.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Atmospheric and Space Scientists within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the substantial gap between starting salaries and the $131,840 average suggests that accumulating experience, developing specialized skills, and taking on greater responsibilities lead to considerable earning potential and career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $79,660 | $38.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $98,880 | $47.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $128,940 | $62 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $164,800 | $79.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $181,210 | $87.1 |
Detailed Atmospheric and Space Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$131,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$131,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $131,840 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher earnings are offset by the cost of living in this metropolitan region.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
0.189
Per 1K Jobs
3.32
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 3.3x the national concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists 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 3.32, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Atmospheric and Space Scientists, far exceeding the national average. This suggests that job opportunities are relatively abundant and specialized expertise is in high demand, making it a prime location for professionals in this field seeking career growth and competitive compensation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary | $105,270↓ 20% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Atmospheric and Space Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $131,840. This typically ranges from $79,660 for entry-level positions to $181,210 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 39.2% higher than the national median of $94,720.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Atmospheric and Space Scientists.The average salary of $131,840 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of these roles (LQ of 3.32) indicates significant demand and competitive compensation.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
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 ($105,270) and others.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $131,840, which is significantly higher than the national average of $94,720.
What is the concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists in this area?
The Location Quotient for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in this region is 3.32, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is more than three times the national average.
Does the high salary reflect a high cost of living?
The Cost of Living Index for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary is offset by the equivalent cost of living.
How many Atmospheric and Space Scientists work in this region?
There are approximately 590 Atmospheric and Space Scientists employed in 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 590 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.189 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Atmospheric and Space Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV