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Average Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in District of Columbia

Social and Human Service Assistants in the District of Columbia earn an impressive average annual salary of $59,030, significantly surpassing the national average of $45,460. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and higher operational costs inherent to the nation's capital, reflecting the demand for essential social services in a high-cost urban environment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,230.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,880 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the market for Social and Human Service Assistants in the District of Columbia is stable and closely mirrors national concentration levels. While not exceptionally concentrated, the steady presence of these roles indicates consistent demand for their vital services within the city's social infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,030

The average Social and Human Service Assistants in District of Columbia earns+29.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.4

Weekly

$1,135

Monthly

$4,919

Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, often requiring specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities, command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the rewards associated with accumulating experience and advancing within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$35,980$17.3
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$44,273$21.3
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$57,210$27.5
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$73,788$35.5
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$87,230$41.9

Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,697

Adjusted for COL (148.7)

The nominal average salary of $59,030 in the District of Columbia must be considered alongside its elevated Cost of Living Index of 148.7. While the salary is substantially higher than the national average, the cost of goods and services is nearly 50% more expensive, meaning the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered by the local economic conditions.

Job Market Context

1,880

Total Jobs

2.659

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

District of Columbia has 0.97x the national average concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that the concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants in the District of Columbia is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the number of professionals aligns well with the demand for their services, suggesting a competitive yet accessible environment for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Social and Human Service Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in District of Columbia?

The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in District of Columbia is $59,030. This typically ranges from $35,980 for entry-level positions to $87,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 29.9% higher than the national median of $45,460.

Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?

Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $59,030 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating lucrative nominal earnings. However, the high cost of living in DC means that the real purchasing power of this salary is reduced compared to lower-cost areas.

Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?

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 Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($44,100) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the number of Social and Human Service Assistants in DC compare to the national average?

With 2.659 jobs per 1,000 workers, the District of Columbia's rate is very close to the national average, indicating a similar level of employment concentration for this role.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in DC?

A Location Quotient of 0.97 signifies that the proportion of Social and Human Service Assistants in DC's workforce is nearly identical to the national proportion, suggesting a stable and representative market.

How does the cost of living in DC affect the salary of a Social and Human Service Assistant?

The high cost of living in DC (148.7) means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual disposable income may be less than in areas with a lower cost of living, despite the higher paycheck.

Are there many Social and Human Service Assistant jobs in the District of Columbia?

With a total local workforce of 1,880, there is a substantial presence of these professionals, indicating consistent opportunities within the city's social service sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,880 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 2.659 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.