Average Geographers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Geographers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $114,480. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $88,450, indicating a strong demand for specialized geographic expertise within this region. The concentration of government agencies, research institutions, and policy-focused organizations likely drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $114,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 Geographers, the market in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria demonstrates a notable concentration, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 9.63. This suggests that the area employs Geographers at a rate nearly ten times the national average, pointing towards a robust and active job market for professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+29.4%above the national average.
$55
$2,202
$9,540
Geographers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Geographers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by increasing demand for geospatial analysis in policy, urban planning, and environmental studies, coupled with a general rise in the cost of living and specialized skill requirements.
Geographers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Geographers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior Geographers with extensive project management and analytical skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, specialized software proficiency, and leadership capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $78,390 | $37.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $85,860 | $41.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $117,960 | $56.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $143,100 | $68.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,540 | $68 |
Detailed Geographers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$114,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$114,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $114,480 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher wages are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.086
Per 1K Jobs
9.63
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 9.6x the national concentration of Geographers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 9.63 for Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that Geographers are disproportionately represented in this area compared to the national average, suggesting a strong demand and a specialized ecosystem for geographic professionals, potentially driven by federal government and related industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Geographers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Geographers Salary | $91,980↓ 20% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Geographerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Geographers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $114,480. This typically ranges from $78,390 for entry-level positions to $141,540 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 29.4% higher than the national median of $88,450.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Geographerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Geographers.Geographers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and while the cost of living is average, the high concentration of jobs indicates strong demand and earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Geographers?
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 ($91,980) and others.
How does the number of Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare nationally?
With only 270 Geographers locally, the absolute number is small, but the Location Quotient of 9.63 shows they are highly concentrated and in demand relative to the national average.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 0.086 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every thousand individuals employed in the area, approximately 0.086 are Geographers, highlighting the specialized nature of the profession locally.
Does the average salary account for different experience levels?
The average salary represents a blend of all experience levels. Entry-level positions will likely earn less, while senior roles command higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
What industries might employ Geographers in this region?
Given the location, key employers likely include federal government agencies (e.g., USGS, NOAA, Census Bureau), defense contractors, urban planning firms, environmental consulting companies, and research institutions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.086 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Geographers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV