Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Physical Scientists, All Other in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area command an impressive average annual salary of $156,430, significantly surpassing the national average of $138,050. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the concentration of federal agencies, research institutions, and defense contractors that heavily employ specialized scientific talent in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $156,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The local job market for Physical Scientists, All Other appears robust, with a total workforce of 2,720 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.97 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Scientists, All Other in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+13.3%above the national average.
$75.2
$3,008
$13,036
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Scientists, All Other in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for specialized scientific roles, particularly in areas with high demand and significant government or private sector investment.
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Physical Scientists, All Other typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their accumulated knowledge and problem-solving capabilities.
| 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) | $117,323 | $56.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $162,610 | $78.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $195,538 | $94 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$156,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$156,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $156,430 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,720
Total Jobs
0.874
Per 1K Jobs
5.97
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 6.0x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 5.97, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is a highly concentrated hub for Physical Scientists, All Other, indicating a significantly larger presence of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where specialized skills are highly valued and readily sought after by numerous employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $120,370↓ 23% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $131,600↓ 16% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $156,430. 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 13.3% higher than the national median of $138,050.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Physical Scientists, All Others?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Physical Scientists, All Others.The average salary of $156,430 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Physical 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 ($120,370) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Scientists, All Other in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $156,430, which is considerably higher than the national average of $138,050.
What is the concentration of Physical Scientists in this area?
The area has a Location Quotient of 5.97, meaning it is nearly six times more concentrated with Physical Scientists, All Other than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher nominal salary of $156,430 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
A local workforce of 2,720 Physical Scientists, All Other indicates a substantial pool of professionals in the region, suggesting a significant presence and demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,720 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.874 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV