Professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn a substantial average annual salary of $122,910. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $91,840, reflecting the region's high demand for specialized scientific talent and the concentration of research and government institutions that drive this premium compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV corridor appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 61,880 individuals in these fields. The jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 19.842 indicates a healthy presence of these roles within the broader economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+33.8%above the national average.
$59.1
$2,364
$10,243
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for scientific expertise, advancements in research, and the general economic expansion within the region, leading to higher compensation packages.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists, researchers, and managers with extensive experience and proven track records can expect significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,080 | $29.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $92,183 | $44.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $117,960 | $56.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $153,638 | $73.9 |
| 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
$122,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$122,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $122,910 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher nominal earnings translate directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals in these fields to maintain a comparable or even improved standard of living compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
61,880
Total Jobs
19.842
Per 1K Jobs
2.11
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 2.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.11, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area demonstrates a concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations that is more than double the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, indicating a strong ecosystem of related industries, research institutions, and government agencies actively seeking and employing professionals in these scientific disciplines.
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↓ 43% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $91,050↓ 26% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $102,520↓ 17% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $84,520↓ 31% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,250↓ 38% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $122,910. This typically ranges from $61,080 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 33.8% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for these professionals.The average salary of $122,910 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, offering excellent earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($70,240) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $122,910 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is substantially higher than the national average of $91,840, representing a significant earning advantage.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.11 mean?
A Location Quotient of 2.11 indicates that the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is more than twice the national average, signifying a specialized and robust job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the high salary of $122,910 offers strong purchasing power, meaning your earnings will go further in this region compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations locally?
The total local workforce for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area comprises 61,880 individuals, indicating a substantial presence of these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 61,880 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 19.842 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV