Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $127,360. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $91,550, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand for specialized environmental expertise within the nation's capital. The concentration of government agencies, non-profits, and research institutions likely drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $182,350.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia presents a robust job market for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,480 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 3.78, the concentration of these professionals is nearly four times the national average, indicating strong and sustained demand for their skills in this specific region.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in District of Columbia earns+39.1%above the national average.
$61.2
$2,449
$10,613
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is a reasonable assumption that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the District of Columbia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing environmental regulations, a growing awareness of sustainability, and the specialized nature of the work, leading to upward pressure on compensation.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the District of Columbia is clearly delineated by experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and regulatory knowledge can expect to earn significantly more. The widening salary gap between junior and senior roles underscores the value placed on accumulated expertise and demonstrated success in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $75,050 | $36.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $95,520 | $45.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $122,440 | $58.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $159,200 | $76.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $182,350 | $87.7 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,649
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal salary of $127,360 is substantial, potential relocators must carefully consider the District of Columbia's Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that everyday expenses are nearly 49% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the gross income is high, the actual purchasing power will be somewhat diminished by the elevated cost of housing, transportation, and other necessities.
Job Market Context
1,480
Total Jobs
2.082
Per 1K Jobs
3.78
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 3.8x the national concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.78 for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the District of Columbia signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average, suggesting a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in District of Columbia is $127,360. This typically ranges from $75,050 for entry-level positions to $182,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 39.1% higher than the national median of $91,550.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative location for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.The average salary of $127,360 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong location quotient indicates high demand for these specialized roles.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
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 ($76,250) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the number of Environmental Scientists in DC compare nationally?
With 2.082 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the District of Columbia is considerably higher than the national average, reflecting a specialized talent pool.
What factors contribute to the high salaries in DC?
The high salaries are likely driven by the concentration of federal agencies, regulatory bodies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions in the capital, all requiring specialized environmental expertise.
Is the job market for Environmental Scientists saturated in DC?
While the Location Quotient of 3.78 indicates a high concentration of professionals, it also points to strong demand, suggesting the market is robust rather than saturated.
How does the cost of living impact the $127,360 salary?
The cost of living in DC is nearly 49% higher than the national average, meaning that while the nominal salary is high, the real purchasing power is reduced compared to lower-cost areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,480 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 2.082 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia