Average Physicists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Physicists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $165,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $177,260, suggesting that while the region offers competitive compensation, other factors like specialized industry demand or cost of doing business may influence the precise pay scale compared to the broader national landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $165,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $214,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Physicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,940 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 4.49 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average, pointing towards a specialized and potentially high-demand sector within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-6.4%below the national average.
$79.8
$3,191
$13,829
Physicists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Physicists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased demand for scientific expertise in sectors like defense and technology, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments for highly specialized professions.
Physicists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The salary trajectory for Physicists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, develop specialized skills, and take on more complex research or leadership roles, their earning potential increases substantially. The gap between lower and higher salary percentiles reflects this progression and the value placed on seasoned physicists.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $102,000 | $49 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $124,463 | $59.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $168,280 | $80.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $207,438 | $99.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $214,330 | $103 |
Detailed Physicists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$165,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$165,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $165,950 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physicist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,940
Total Jobs
0.621
Per 1K Jobs
4.49
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 4.5x the national concentration of Physicists 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 4.49, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area exhibits a highly concentrated presence of Physicists, far exceeding the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially very active job market for these professionals, indicating strong regional demand and a significant cluster of related industries or research institutions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physicists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Physicists Salary | $155,570↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Physicists Salary | $130,620↓ 21% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Physicistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physicists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Physicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $165,950. This typically ranges from $102,000 for entry-level positions to $214,330 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 6.4% lower than the national median of $177,260.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Physicists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physicists.The area boasts a high concentration of Physicists with a Location Quotient of 4.49, indicating strong regional demand. Coupled with an average salary of $165,950 and a cost of living at the national average, it presents a financially stable and opportunity-rich environment.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Physicists?
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 ($155,570) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $165,950, which is slightly below the national average of $177,260.
What is the concentration of Physicists in this region?
The region has a high concentration of Physicists, with a Location Quotient of 4.49, indicating that the density of these jobs is more than four times the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $165,950 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Physicists employed locally?
There are approximately 1,940 Physicists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 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 1,940 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.621 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV