Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area command an impressive average annual salary of $133,940. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $114,010, suggesting that the unique economic landscape and demand drivers within this metropolitan region contribute to higher compensation for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $133,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 330 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and a Location Quotient of 0.72, the job market in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not a hub of extreme specialization, the steady presence suggests consistent demand and a stable employment environment for skilled individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+17.5%above the national average.
$64.4
$2,576
$11,162
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field of geosciences has experienced salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for environmental and geological expertise. Professionals in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area likely benefited from these upward salary trends, further enhancing their earning potential in this dynamic sector.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven track records.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $68,390 | $32.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $100,455 | $48.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $130,580 | $62.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $167,425 | $80.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$133,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$133,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $133,940 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
0.105
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.72x the national average concentration of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market, where demand exists but is not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified candidates without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary | $84,060↓ 37% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $133,940. This typically ranges from $68,390 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 17.5% higher than the national median of $114,010.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area.The average salary of $133,940 significantly exceeds the national average, offering strong earning potential. Coupled with a national average cost of living, this makes the region financially attractive for these professionals.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and 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 ($84,060) and others.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $133,940, which is notably higher than the national average of $114,010.
What is the job market like for Geoscientists in this area?
The job market is moderately competitive, with a Location Quotient of 0.72, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting stable demand.
Does the high salary translate to a higher cost of living?
No, the salary aligns with the national average cost of living index of 100, meaning your earnings will have comparable purchasing power to the national average.
How many Geoscientists work in this region?
There are approximately 330 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.105 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV