SalaryNode

Average Natural Sciences Managers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Natural Sciences Managers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $172,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $185,920, suggesting a unique interplay of local economic factors and industry demand that influences compensation in this region. The specific dynamics of the scientific and research sectors within this concentrated urban corridor likely shape these salary benchmarks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $172,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $226,350.
  • Outlook: The job market for Natural Sciences Managers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 6,250 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 3.06 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong demand and a well-established presence of the industry within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$172,700

The average Natural Sciences Managers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-7.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$83

Weekly

$3,321

Monthly

$14,392

Natural Sciences Managers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Salary progression for Natural Sciences Managers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the $172,700 average, while senior and highly experienced managers, particularly those with advanced degrees and extensive project leadership, can command salaries well above this average, reaching into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$121,890$58.6
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$129,525$62.3
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$164,650$79.2
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$215,875$103.8
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$226,350$108.8

Detailed Natural Sciences Managers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$172,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$172,700

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $172,700 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is precisely the national average), the nominal salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offers purchasing power that aligns with the national standard. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not disproportionately diminish its value, providing a balanced financial landscape for professionals.

Job Market Context

6,250

Total Jobs

2.003

Per 1K Jobs

3.06

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 3.1x the national concentration of Natural Sciences Managers 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 3.06 for Natural Sciences Managers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region is a significant hub for these professionals, with employment opportunities being over three times more prevalent than the national average, suggesting a competitive yet abundant landscape for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Natural Sciences Managers

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

Hiring Natural Sciences Managerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Natural Sciences Managers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Natural Sciences Managers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $172,700. This typically ranges from $121,890 for entry-level positions to $226,350 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 7.1% lower than the national median of $185,920.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Natural Sciences Managers?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $172,700 is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 3.06) and a cost of living at the national average suggest strong career opportunities and stable earning potential.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Natural Sciences Managers?

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 ($120,440) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Natural Sciences Managers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $172,700, which is approximately 7.6% lower than the national average of $185,920.

What is the concentration of Natural Sciences Managers in this area?

The Location Quotient (LQ) is 3.06, meaning there are over three times as many Natural Sciences Managers employed in this region relative to the national average, indicating a strong industry presence.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $172,700 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary benchmark.

What is the total number of Natural Sciences Managers in this region?

There are approximately 6,250 Natural Sciences Managers working in 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 6,250 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 2.003 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.