Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
Professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations in the District of Columbia earn a commanding average annual salary of $129,980. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $91,840, indicating a robust demand and higher compensation structure within the nation's capital. Factors such as a high concentration of research institutions, government agencies, and policy-making bodies likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $129,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations in the District of Columbia appears robust, supported by a substantial local workforce of 18,680 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 2.81 suggests that these roles are significantly more concentrated in DC than the national average, pointing to a strong and established demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in District of Columbia earns+41.5%above the national average.
$62.5
$2,500
$10,832
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations in the District of Columbia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed in high-demand sectors, particularly in metropolitan areas with significant government and research investments, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations in the District of Columbia is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior scientists, researchers, and specialized analysts can command salaries well above the average. The significant percentile gaps observed in salary distributions reflect clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,430 | $29.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $97,485 | $46.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $125,820 | $60.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $162,475 | $78.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$129,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,411
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the average annual salary of $129,980 in the District of Columbia is impressive, it's crucial to consider the local cost of living, which stands at 148.7 (100 being the national average). This means that while nominal earnings are high, the purchasing power of that salary is reduced due to significantly higher expenses for housing, transportation, and daily necessities, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
18,680
Total Jobs
26.358
Per 1K Jobs
2.81
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 2.8x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 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 2.81 for Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations in the District of Columbia signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that these professions are more prevalent in DC relative to the national landscape, suggesting a competitive yet abundant environment where specialized talent is in high demand and well-represented.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $70,240↓ 46% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $91,050↓ 30% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $102,520↓ 21% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $84,520↓ 35% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,250↓ 41% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in District of Columbia is $129,980. This typically ranges from $61,430 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 District of Columbia is 41.5% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative location for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.With an average salary nearly $38,000 above the national average and a strong concentration of these roles, DC offers significant earning potential. However, the high cost of living necessitates careful financial management.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($70,240) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
The District of Columbia has 26.358 jobs per 1,000 workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations, which is substantially higher than the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of these roles locally.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this field in DC?
An LQ of 2.81 means that Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations are nearly three times more concentrated in the District of Columbia than the national average, highlighting a specialized and robust job market.
How does the cost of living impact the perceived salary in DC?
The cost of living index of 148.7 means that DC is 48.7% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living effectively reduces the purchasing power of the high $129,980 salary compared to living in a more affordable region.
What types of organizations employ Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals in DC?
Professionals in these fields are likely employed by federal government agencies, research institutions, non-profit organizations, think tanks, universities, and private sector companies focused on areas like health, environmental science, and social policy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,680 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 26.358 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia