Average Computer Programmers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Computer Programmers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $112,670. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $105,010, reflecting the region's robust demand for skilled tech talent and its status as a hub for government and related industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $112,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,450.
- Outlook: The local job market for Computer Programmers is notably concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.84, indicating a presence nearly twice the national average. This strong concentration, coupled with a workforce of 4,090 professionals, suggests a dynamic and active employment landscape for this role within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Programmers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+7.3%above the national average.
$54.2
$2,167
$9,389
Computer Programmers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Computer Programmers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand and compensation for tech-related positions.
Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Computer Programmers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior and lead roles can command salaries well above the average, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized skills, and a proven track record. The percentile gaps highlight significant opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,120 | $31.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $84,503 | $40.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,580 | $49.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $140,838 | $67.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $166,450 | $80 |
Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$112,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$112,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $112,670 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the rest of the country, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
4,090
Total Jobs
1.313
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 1.8x the national concentration of Computer Programmers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.84 signifies a substantial concentration of Computer Programmers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area compared to the national average. This indicates a highly competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek this specialized skill set, and professionals have numerous opportunities within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Computer Programmers Salary | $109,940↓ 2% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Computer Programmers Salary | $109,190↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Computer Programmers Salary | $83,040↓ 26% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Computer Programmerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Programmers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $112,670. This typically ranges from $65,120 for entry-level positions to $166,450 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 7.3% higher than the national median of $105,010.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Computer Programmerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for Computer Programmers.Computer Programmers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. Furthermore, the cost of living is at the national average, enhancing the real value of their compensation.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Computer Programmers?
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 ($109,940) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Programmers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $112,670, which is $7,660 higher than the national average of $105,010.
What is the concentration of Computer Programmers in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.84, meaning there are significantly more Computer Programmers per worker in this region than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is exactly at the national average (100), suggesting that the higher nominal salary offers strong purchasing power.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
With 1.313 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a healthy demand for Computer Programmers relative to the overall workforce in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,090 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.313 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 Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV