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Average Life Scientists, All Other Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Life Scientists, All Other professionals in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $130,100. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $112,310, reflecting the region's robust demand and the specialized nature of scientific roles within its thriving economic landscape. The concentration of research institutions, government agencies, and biotech firms in this area likely drives this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $130,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,400.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Life Scientists, All Other, appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 440 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.96 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$130,100

The average Life Scientists, All Other in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+15.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.6

Weekly

$2,502

Monthly

$10,842

Life Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Life Scientists, All Other, typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles, significantly exceeding the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights substantial opportunities for salary growth throughout a career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$84,240$40.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$97,575$46.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$125,820$60.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$162,625$78.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$203,400$97.8

Detailed Life Scientists, All Other Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$130,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$130,100

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $130,100 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is particularly advantageous given its Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable or even improved standard of living compared to their counterparts in higher cost-of-living regions.

Job Market Context

440

Total Jobs

0.14

Per 1K Jobs

2.96

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 3.0x the national concentration of Life Scientists, All Other 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 2.96, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated presence of Life Scientists, All Other, roles relative to the national landscape. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek talent within this specific scientific domain, suggesting a favorable environment for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Life Scientists, All Other

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Life Scientists, All Others?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Life Scientists, All Other make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Life Scientists, All Other in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $130,100. This typically ranges from $84,240 for entry-level positions to $203,400 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 15.8% higher than the national median of $112,310.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Life Scientists, All Others?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Life Scientists, All Others.The average salary of $130,100 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, maximizing earning potential.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Life Scientists, All Others?

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 ($80,550) and others.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Life Scientists, All Other, in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is $130,100, which is notably higher than the national average of $112,310.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.96?

An LQ of 2.96 signifies that the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has nearly three times the concentration of Life Scientists, All Other, jobs compared to the national average, indicating strong regional demand.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (the national average), the $130,100 salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area offers excellent purchasing power, as living expenses are not inflated beyond the national norm.

What is the total number of Life Scientists, All Other, in this region?

There are approximately 440 Life Scientists, All Other, 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 440 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.14 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.