Average Historians Salary in District of Columbia
Historians in the District of Columbia earn a substantial average annual salary of $112,220, significantly outpacing the national average of $72,980. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the high concentration of government, policy, and cultural institutions in the nation's capital, which creates a robust demand for historical expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $112,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,980.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia presents a concentrated job market for Historians, with a total local workforce of 260 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 17.73 indicates a demand for Historians that is over 17 times greater than the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized job market within this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Historians in District of Columbia earns+53.8%above the national average.
$54
$2,158
$9,352
Historians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Historians in the District of Columbia have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically influenced by inflation, increasing demand for specialized historical analysis in policy and research, and the overall economic health of the region.
Historians Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Career progression for Historians in the District of Columbia typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, archival, or policy experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant salary gap that signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,870 | $28.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $84,165 | $40.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $117,960 | $56.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $140,275 | $67.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $157,980 | $76 |
Detailed Historians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$112,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,467
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the average annual salary of $112,220 for Historians in the District of Columbia is impressive, it must be considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that expenses are nearly 49% higher than the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power may be moderated by the elevated cost of living.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.361
Per 1K Jobs
17.73
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 17.7x the national concentration of Historians 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 17.73 for Historians in the District of Columbia is exceptionally high, signaling a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive environment, with a strong demand for individuals possessing historical knowledge relevant to the unique institutional landscape of the capital.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Historianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Historians make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Historians in District of Columbia is $112,220. This typically ranges from $58,870 for entry-level positions to $157,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 53.8% higher than the national median of $72,980.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Historians?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Historians.Historians in the District of Columbia earn significantly above the national average salary, and the extremely high Location Quotient points to strong demand for their specialized skills.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Historians?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Historian salary in District of Columbia compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Historians in the District of Columbia is $112,220, which is substantially higher than the national average of $72,980.
What does the Location Quotient of 17.73 mean for Historians in District of Columbia?
A Location Quotient of 17.73 means that Historians are over 17 times more concentrated in the District of Columbia than in the average U.S. location, indicating a very strong local demand for this profession.
How does the high cost of living in District of Columbia affect the Historian salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, the higher nominal salary of $112,220 for Historians is somewhat offset by the increased expenses in the District of Columbia, meaning the real purchasing power may be less than the raw salary suggests.
What is the total number of Historians in the District of Columbia workforce?
There are approximately 260 Historians employed within the District of Columbia workforce, representing a specialized segment of the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.361 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Historians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia