Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in District of Columbia
Physical Scientists, All Other in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $152,070, substantially exceeding the national average of $138,050. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and high demand for specialized scientific expertise within the nation's capital, often linked to government research, policy, and advanced technological sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $152,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia presents a robust employment environment for Physical Scientists, All Other, with a local workforce of 860 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.28 indicates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's specialized industries and research institutions.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Scientists, All Other in District of Columbia earns+10.2%above the national average.
$73.1
$2,924
$12,673
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Physical Scientists, All Other in the District of Columbia has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for specialized scientific roles and the general upward pressure on wages in high-cost-of-living urban centers.
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Physical Scientists, All Other in the District of Columbia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior scientists with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career trajectory and the value placed on advanced knowledge and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $99,200 | $47.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $114,053 | $54.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $157,980 | $76 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $190,088 | $91.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$152,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$102,266
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal salary of $152,070 is substantial, it must be considered against the District of Columbia's Cost of Living Index of 148.7, which is nearly 50% higher than the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is high, the purchasing power may be moderated by the increased expenses associated with living in this metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
1.213
Per 1K Jobs
8.28
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 8.3x the national concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other 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 8.28 for Physical Scientists, All Other in the District of Columbia signifies a highly concentrated job market, with these professionals being over eight times more prevalent than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out this specific talent pool, suggesting a strong demand relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $120,370↓ 21% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $131,600↓ 13% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in District of Columbia is $152,070. This typically ranges from $99,200 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 10.2% higher than the national median of $138,050.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Physical Scientists, All Others?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative location for Physical Scientists, All Other.The average salary of $152,070 significantly surpasses the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 8.28) points to strong regional demand.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Physical Scientists, All Others?
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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($120,370) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the DC salary compare to the national average?
Physical Scientists, All Other in the District of Columbia earn an average of $152,070 annually, which is $14,020 more than the national average of $138,050.
What is the concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other in DC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 8.28, meaning these professionals are over 8 times more common in DC than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in DC?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, the higher salary in DC is somewhat offset by increased living expenses, though it still represents significant earning potential.
What does the job market look like for this role in DC?
The job market is robust, indicated by a high Location Quotient and a notable presence of 860 Physical Scientists, All Other within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 1.213 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Scientists, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia