Average Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in District of Columbia
Computer and Information Research Scientists in the District of Columbia earn an average annual salary of $149,800, which is below the national average of $167,850. This regional disparity can often be attributed to a complex interplay of factors including the specific demand for highly specialized roles within government and research institutions, as well as the unique economic landscape of the nation's capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $149,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia hosts a concentrated workforce of 330 Computer and Information Research Scientists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.86. This suggests a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in District of Columbia earns-10.8%below the national average.
$72
$2,881
$12,483
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the field of Computer and Information Research Science has experienced consistent salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing technological advancements, the growing importance of data analysis, and the demand for innovative solutions likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for these roles.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The substantial gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen in salary distributions, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $98,510 | $47.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $112,350 | $54 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $153,630 | $73.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $187,250 | $90 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$149,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$100,740
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The nominal average salary of $149,800 in the District of Columbia must be considered alongside its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that while the gross salary appears substantial, the purchasing power of that income is diminished due to the significantly higher costs associated with housing, goods, and services compared to the national average.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
0.464
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 1.9x the national concentration of Computer and Information Research 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 1.86, the District of Columbia exhibits a strong concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists, more than 86% above the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek out talent in this field, suggesting a healthy demand relative to the national distribution.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $147,800↓ 1% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $131,100↓ 12% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in District of Columbia is $149,800. This typically ranges from $98,510 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 10.8% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $149,800 is below the national average, the high concentration of these roles (LQ 1.86) suggests strong local demand. However, the high cost of living (148.7) means the effective purchasing power is reduced.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($147,800) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the DC salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in the District of Columbia is $149,800, which is approximately $18,000 less than the national average of $167,850.
What is the concentration of these jobs in DC?
The District of Columbia has a Location Quotient of 1.86 for Computer and Information Research Scientists, indicating a concentration significantly higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in DC is 148.7, meaning it's 48.7% more expensive than the national average. This high cost of living reduces the effective purchasing power of the $149,800 salary.
Are there many Computer and Information Research Scientists in DC?
There are 330 Computer and Information Research Scientists in the District of Columbia, representing 0.464 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average due to the high Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.464 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia