Average Data Scientists Salary in District of Columbia
Data Scientists in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $148,170, significantly outpacing the national average of $126,010. This premium is largely driven by the high concentration of government, policy, and research institutions in DC, which demand sophisticated data analysis and interpretation, thus commanding higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $148,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,580 Data Scientists and a Location Quotient of 3.33, the District of Columbia exhibits a robust and highly concentrated job market for this profession. This indicates a demand for Data Scientists that is more than triple the national average, suggesting a strong and stable outlook for professionals in this field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Data Scientists in District of Columbia earns+17.6%above the national average.
$71.2
$2,849
$12,348
Data Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for Data Scientists in the District of Columbia has mirrored national trends, experiencing significant growth over the past four years. This growth is likely reflected in escalating salary figures as the need for advanced analytical skills continues to rise across various sectors in the capital.
Data Scientists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Data Scientists in the District of Columbia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior Data Scientists, with their accumulated expertise and leadership capabilities, can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies a clear career progression path and the increasing value placed on seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,210 | $39.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $111,128 | $53.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $137,120 | $65.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $185,213 | $89 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $208,600 | $100.3 |
Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$148,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,644
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The average annual salary of $148,170 in the District of Columbia is substantial, but it must be considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power is impacted by the significantly higher cost of goods and services compared to the national average. Professionals should factor this into their financial planning when considering relocation.
Job Market Context
3,580
Total Jobs
5.047
Per 1K Jobs
3.33
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 3.3x the national concentration of Data Scientists 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 3.33 signifies that Data Scientists are significantly more concentrated in the District of Columbia than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive market, where employers actively seek out talent with specific skills relevant to the region's unique economic and governmental landscape. The abundance of roles relative to the national average points to a strong demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Data Scientists Salary | $139,810↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Data Scientists Salary | $116,130↓ 22% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Data Scientists Salary | $125,740↓ 15% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Data Scientists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in District of Columbia is $148,170. This typically ranges from $82,210 for entry-level positions to $208,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 17.6% higher than the national median of $126,010.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Data Scientists?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative place for Data Scientists.The average salary of $148,170 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of roles indicated by the Location Quotient further supports its lucrativeness.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Data 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 ($139,810) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the District of Columbia's Data Scientist salary compare to the national average?
Data Scientists in the District of Columbia earn an average of $148,170 annually, which is over $22,000 more than the national average of $126,010.
What is the concentration of Data Scientists in the District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia has a high concentration of Data Scientists, with a Location Quotient of 3.33, indicating that the profession is more than three times as common there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Data Scientist salary in DC?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, the higher nominal salary in DC is offset by the significantly increased expenses for housing, transportation, and daily life compared to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for Data Scientists in DC?
The figure of 5.047 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a healthy demand for Data Scientists, with the profession being relatively prevalent within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,580 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 5.047 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Data Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia