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Average Chemists Salary in District of Columbia

Chemists in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $148,470, substantially exceeding the national average of $94,000. This significant pay differential is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and high demand for specialized scientific talent within the nation's capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $148,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Chemists and a Location Quotient of 0.66, the job market in the District of Columbia indicates a specialized but potentially stable demand for these professionals. While not as concentrated as the national average, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests ongoing opportunities within specific sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$148,470

The average Chemists in District of Columbia earns+57.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$71.4

Weekly

$2,855

Monthly

$12,373

Chemists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

Salary progression for Chemists in the District of Columbia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior and lead Chemists can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching well into the upper salary percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$106,720$51.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$111,353$53.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$153,320$73.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$185,588$89.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$191,880$92.3

Detailed Chemists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$148,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$99,845

Adjusted for COL (148.7)

The nominal average salary of $148,470 in the District of Columbia must be considered alongside its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services means that the real purchasing power may be less than the raw number suggests, requiring careful financial planning.

Job Market Context

250

Total Jobs

0.357

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

District of Columbia has 0.66x the national average concentration of Chemists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests that the concentration of Chemists in the District of Columbia is below the national average. This indicates that while there are dedicated professionals in the field, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chemists

CitySalaryDist.
Maryland nonmetropolitan area Chemists Salary$84,400↓ 43%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Chemists Salary$113,410↓ 24%35 mi
Lexington Park, MD Chemists Salary$125,070↓ 16%55 mi

Comparing salaries near District of Columbia

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chemists make in District of Columbia?

The median annual salary for a Chemists in District of Columbia is $148,470. This typically ranges from $106,720 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 57.9% higher than the national median of $94,000.

Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Chemists?

Yes, with a caveat.Chemists in the District of Columbia earn a significantly higher average salary than the national average. However, the high cost of living in the area should be factored into the overall financial benefit.

Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Chemists?

The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($84,400) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the District of Columbia's chemist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chemists in the District of Columbia is $148,470, which is substantially higher than the national average of $94,000.

What is the Cost of Living Index in the District of Columbia?

The Cost of Living Index in the District of Columbia is 148.7, meaning it is 48.7% more expensive to live there than the national average.

How concentrated is the chemist workforce in the District of Columbia?

The Location Quotient for Chemists in the District of Columbia is 0.66, indicating a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How many chemists are employed in the District of Columbia?

There are approximately 250 Chemists employed in the District of Columbia, representing 0.357 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.357 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia