Advertisement
Average salary by job family in Washington
| Legal | $189,490 |
|---|---|
| Management | $172,110 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $139,090 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $126,610 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $124,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $120,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $117,440 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $102,300 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $76,170 |
| Community and Social Service | $72,940 |
| Protective Service | $71,740 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $69,650 |
| Construction and Extraction | $68,140 |
| Sales and Related | $58,720 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $58,260 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $56,480 |
| Production | $56,240 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $48,090 |
| Personal Care and Service | $45,260 |
| Healthcare Support | $44,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $43,620 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $42,220 |
Highest-paying jobs in Washington
- Radiologists$412,760
- Dermatologists$352,880
- Anesthesiologists$326,660
- Cardiologists$325,320
- Orthodontists$285,910
- Physicians, Pathologists$253,240
- Surgeons, All Other$252,380
- Nurse Anesthetists$252,210
- Family Medicine Physicians$237,070
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$235,100
Most common jobs in Washington and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 112,530 | $163,620 | $156,460 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 76,600 | $113,390 | $104,770 |
| Software Developers | 69,060 | $153,100 | $154,930 |
| Retail Salespersons | 66,920 | $39,600 | $36,610 |
| Management Analysts | 62,360 | $145,310 | $126,830 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 60,560 | $35,550 | $34,600 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 59,090 | $39,660 | $37,840 |
| Cashiers | 50,600 | $36,630 | $35,470 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 50,450 | $39,110 | $38,530 |
| Lawyers | 46,840 | $226,780 | $195,190 |
Advertisement
Cost of living in Washington
Prices in the Washington area are 9% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 108.9 for 2024. The average local salary of $91,930 therefore buys what $84,429 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $583,013, 4.7 times the median household income of $123,896.
$583,013typical home value
$123,896median household income
108.9BEA price parity
6,263,796metro population
Take-home pay in Washington
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $44,990 | $36,796 | $3,066 |
| Median wage | $71,060 | $55,648 | $4,637 |
| Average wage | $91,930 | $68,657 | $5,721 |
| 75th percentile wage | $121,680 | $87,050 | $7,254 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Compare Washington with another city
Cost of living: Washington vs other cities
- Atlanta vs Washington
- Baltimore vs Washington
- Boston vs Washington
- Chicago vs Washington
- Dallas vs Washington
- Denver vs Washington
- Detroit vs Washington
- Houston vs Washington
- Los Angeles vs Washington
- Miami vs Washington
- Minneapolis vs Washington
- New York vs Washington
- Philadelphia vs Washington
- Phoenix vs Washington
- Riverside vs Washington
- San Diego vs Washington
- San Francisco vs Washington
- Seattle vs Washington
- Tampa vs Washington
Salaries for every job in Washington
Legal8 jobs
- Lawyers$227K
- Legal Support Workers, All Other$148K
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers$146K
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates$126K
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators$115K
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants$88K
- Judicial Law Clerks$72K
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers$65K
Management35 jobs
- Public Relations Managers$215K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$207K
- Financial Managers$206K
- Marketing Managers$195K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$192K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$187K
- Human Resources Managers$187K
- Sales Managers$186K
- Purchasing Managers$177K
- Managers, All Other$177K
- Natural Sciences Managers$175K
- General and Operations Managers$164K
- Training and Development Managers$160K
- Fundraising Managers$159K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$159K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$158K
- Emergency Management Directors$155K
- Industrial Production Managers$155K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$146K
- Administrative Services Managers$145K
- Construction Managers$140K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$139K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$138K
- Education Administrators, All Other$130K
- Facilities Managers$120K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$110K
- Social and Community Service Managers$109K
- Funeral Home Managers$104K
- Gambling Managers$104K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$101K
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$100K
- Lodging Managers$95K
- Food Service Managers$88K
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$77K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$71K
Computer and Mathematical20 jobs
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$166K
- Database Architects$160K
- Mathematicians$158K
- Computer Network Architects$157K
- Software Developers$153K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$150K
- Information Security Analysts$150K
- Actuaries$150K
- Data Scientists$144K
- Statisticians$138K
- Web Developers$136K
- Operations Research Analysts$129K
- Computer Systems Analysts$129K
- Computer Programmers$128K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$126K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$126K
- Database Administrators$119K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$106K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$100K
- Computer User Support Specialists$81K
Life, Physical, and Social Science43 jobs
- Physicists$170K
- Physical Scientists, All Other$167K
- Economists$166K
- Political Scientists$156K
- Astronomers$154K
- Hydrologists$153K
- Chemists$145K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$141K
- Life Scientists, All Other$139K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$137K
- Psychologists, All Other$131K
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$127K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$124K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$123K
- Microbiologists$123K
- Materials Scientists$122K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$118K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$116K
- Historians$115K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$115K
- Geographers$115K
- Epidemiologists$115K
- Food Scientists and Technologists$113K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$111K
- Urban and Regional Planners$110K
- School Psychologists$110K
- Conservation Scientists$109K
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$109K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$107K
- Sociologists$105K
- Survey Researchers$102K
- Animal Scientists$96K
- Forensic Science Technicians$92K
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$90K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$87K
- Foresters$85K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$75K
- Social Science Research Assistants$73K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$66K
- Biological Technicians$66K
- Chemical Technicians$61K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$60K
- Agricultural Technicians$58K
Architecture and Engineering33 jobs
- Nuclear Engineers$169K
- Aerospace Engineers$169K
- Computer Hardware Engineers$157K
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects$152K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$145K
- Engineers, All Other$145K
- Materials Engineers$145K
- Chemical Engineers$136K
- Electrical Engineers$134K
- Mechanical Engineers$133K
- Industrial Engineers$124K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$124K
- Environmental Engineers$122K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$119K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$115K
- Civil Engineers$111K
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$99K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$98K
- Landscape Architects$96K
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians$94K
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$90K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$89K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$89K
- Mechanical Drafters$84K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$84K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$84K
- Surveyors$82K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$81K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$80K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$80K
- Drafters, All Other$70K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$67K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$65K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical65 jobs
- Radiologists$413K
- Dermatologists$353K
- Anesthesiologists$327K
- Cardiologists$325K
- Orthodontists$286K
- Physicians, Pathologists$253K
- Surgeons, All Other$252K
- Nurse Anesthetists$252K
- Family Medicine Physicians$237K
- Psychiatrists$235K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$227K
- Physicians, All Other$226K
- Dentists, General$216K
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$215K
- Neurologists$208K
- Dentists, All Other Specialists$202K
- Podiatrists$186K
- Pediatricians, General$186K
- Veterinarians$164K
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$163K
- Medical Dosimetrists$155K
- Physician Assistants$152K
- Optometrists$151K
- Pharmacists$148K
- Nurse Midwives$141K
- Nurse Practitioners$139K
- Radiation Therapists$120K
- Dental Hygienists$115K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$113K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$111K
- Physical Therapists$110K
- Occupational Therapists$109K
- Genetic Counselors$108K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$106K
- Audiologists$106K
- Registered Nurses$105K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$104K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$101K
- Respiratory Therapists$100K
- Chiropractors$97K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$95K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$93K
- Therapists, All Other$92K
- Acupuncturists$87K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$85K
- Surgical Assistants$83K
- Athletic Trainers$80K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$80K
- Paramedics$78K
- Surgical Technologists$77K
- Orthotists and Prosthetists$76K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$75K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Recreational Therapists$73K
- Hearing Aid Specialists$71K
- Exercise Physiologists$65K
- Medical Records Specialists$64K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$59K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$59K
- Opticians, Dispensing$57K
- Psychiatric Technicians$55K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$53K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$51K
- Pharmacy Technicians$50K
- Dietetic Technicians$42K
Business and Financial Operations30 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$168K
- Financial Examiners$166K
- Management Analysts$145K
- Financial Risk Specialists$133K
- Project Management Specialists$129K
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes$128K
- Budget Analysts$124K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$124K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$121K
- Credit Analysts$120K
- Accountants and Auditors$114K
- Labor Relations Specialists$113K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$113K
- Logisticians$113K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$110K
- Human Resources Specialists$106K
- Loan Officers$106K
- Compliance Officers$104K
- Insurance Underwriters$101K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$98K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$97K
- Cost Estimators$96K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$89K
- Fundraisers$88K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$88K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$88K
- Training and Development Specialists$87K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$79K
- Credit Counselors$67K
- Tax Preparers$63K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media34 jobs
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$151K
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other$122K
- Writers and Authors$118K
- Public Relations Specialists$117K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$116K
- Art Directors$111K
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$108K
- Technical Writers$106K
- Producers and Directors$106K
- Editors$104K
- Special Effects Artists and Animators$98K
- Interpreters and Translators$93K
- Film and Video Editors$92K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$91K
- Sound Engineering Technicians$91K
- Music Directors and Composers$90K
- Graphic Designers$90K
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$89K
- Interior Designers$85K
- Set and Exhibit Designers$84K
- Broadcast Technicians$84K
- Fashion Designers$80K
- Audio and Video Technicians$78K
- Designers, All Other$71K
- Photographers$70K
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other$69K
- Lighting Technicians$67K
- Coaches and Scouts$67K
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$66K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$61K
- Craft Artists$51K
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$49K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$49K
- Floral Designers$45K
Educational Instruction and Library62 jobs
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$162K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$155K
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary$146K
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$143K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$140K
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$127K
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$121K
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$116K
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$114K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$109K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$109K
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$108K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$108K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$107K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$107K
- Instructional Coordinators$106K
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$105K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$105K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$102K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$101K
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$100K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$100K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$98K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$94K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$94K
- Curators$93K
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$93K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$92K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$92K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$91K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$91K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$91K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$90K
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$89K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$89K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$89K
- Archivists$88K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$87K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$85K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$85K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$84K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$84K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$83K
- Farm and Home Management Educators$82K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$81K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$81K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$80K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$79K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School$78K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$70K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$70K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$67K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$66K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$61K
- Library Technicians$58K
- Tutors$57K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$51K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$46K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$45K
Community and Social Service17 jobs
- Health Education Specialists$120K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$91K
- Social Workers, All Other$90K
- Counselors, All Other$84K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$84K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$83K
- Healthcare Social Workers$80K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$78K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$75K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$74K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$71K
- Clergy$67K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$62K
- Community Health Workers$60K
- Religious Workers, All Other$55K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$53K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$53K
Protective Service22 jobs
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$147K
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$133K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$113K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$101K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$88K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$87K
- Fish and Game Wardens$86K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$77K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$73K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$73K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$71K
- Firefighters$71K
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$68K
- Transportation Security Screeners$67K
- Bailiffs$64K
- Animal Control Workers$61K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$60K
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators$55K
- Security Guards$54K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$43K
- School Bus Monitors$42K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$36K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair42 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$104K
- Avionics Technicians$95K
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment$94K
- Rail Car Repairers$94K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$93K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$93K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$91K
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$84K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$84K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$84K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$81K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$78K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$78K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$75K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$75K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$74K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$74K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$73K
- Home Appliance Repairers$72K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$71K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$71K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$70K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$67K
- Riggers$66K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$66K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$65K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$63K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$62K
- Millwrights$61K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$59K
- Mechanical Door Repairers$57K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$56K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$56K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$56K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$55K
- Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers$55K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$53K
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$53K
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$52K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$50K
- Bicycle Repairers$48K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$47K
Construction and Extraction41 jobs
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$115K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$91K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$85K
- Electricians$80K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$75K
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters$73K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$69K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$67K
- Carpenters$67K
- Glaziers$67K
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$66K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$65K
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers$64K
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons$63K
- Sheet Metal Workers$63K
- Roofers$62K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$61K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$61K
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$61K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$60K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$60K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$58K
- Floor Sanders and Finishers$58K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$57K
- Carpet Installers$57K
- Pipelayers$56K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$56K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$55K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$55K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$54K
- Tile and Stone Setters$53K
- Stonemasons$52K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$52K
- Construction Laborers$50K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$50K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$47K
- Helpers--Electricians$47K
- Helpers--Carpenters$46K
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$45K
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons$45K
- Helpers--Roofers$44K
Sales and Related21 jobs
- Sales Engineers$148K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$132K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$115K
- Real Estate Brokers$107K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$99K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$95K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$89K
- Advertising Sales Agents$87K
- Insurance Sales Agents$80K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$80K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$72K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$58K
- Travel Agents$57K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$54K
- Parts Salespersons$49K
- Models$47K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$45K
- Telemarketers$41K
- Retail Salespersons$40K
- Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers$37K
- Cashiers$37K
Office and Administrative Support53 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$90K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$86K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$81K
- Brokerage Clerks$76K
- Financial Clerks, All Other$74K
- Desktop Publishers$71K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$70K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$66K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$65K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$65K
- Postal Service Clerks$64K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$64K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$64K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$63K
- Procurement Clerks$62K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$62K
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers$61K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$61K
- Statistical Assistants$61K
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$61K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$60K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$60K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$60K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$59K
- New Accounts Clerks$59K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$59K
- Bill and Account Collectors$57K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$56K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$56K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$56K
- Office Clerks, General$54K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$54K
- Word Processors and Typists$52K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$52K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$51K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$51K
- Order Clerks$51K
- Customer Service Representatives$50K
- Telephone Operators$50K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$50K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$49K
- Gambling Cage Workers$48K
- Couriers and Messengers$47K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$47K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$47K
- Tellers$47K
- Correspondence Clerks$46K
- Data Entry Keyers$46K
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$45K
- File Clerks$45K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$44K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$43K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$40K
Transportation and Material Moving34 jobs
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$235K
- Commercial Pilots$148K
- Air Traffic Controllers$145K
- Ship Engineers$114K
- Transportation Inspectors$103K
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$101K
- Crane and Tower Operators$84K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$72K
- Traffic Technicians$70K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$69K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$63K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$62K
- Transportation Workers, All Other$61K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$59K
- Flight Attendants$58K
- Bus Drivers, School$57K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$54K
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$54K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$53K
- Light Truck Drivers$52K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$51K
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$48K
- Passenger Attendants$48K
- Aircraft Service Attendants$46K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$46K
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders$44K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$44K
- Driver/Sales Workers$42K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$40K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$39K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$39K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$39K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$38K
- Parking Attendants$38K
Production67 jobs
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$107K
- Gas Plant Operators$95K
- Power Plant Operators$91K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$89K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$83K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$81K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$79K
- Machinists$75K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$74K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$73K
- Chemical Plant and System Operators$70K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$69K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$68K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$68K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$65K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$65K
- Woodworkers, All Other$64K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$63K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$62K
- Medical Appliance Technicians$62K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$62K
- Printing Press Operators$61K
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers$60K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$60K
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$57K
- Production Workers, All Other$55K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$55K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$55K
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$54K
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$54K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$52K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52K
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$51K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$51K
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$51K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$51K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$50K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$50K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$49K
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$49K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$48K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$48K
- Etchers and Engravers$48K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47K
- Furniture Finishers$46K
- Helpers--Production Workers$46K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$45K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$45K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$45K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$44K
- Upholsterers$44K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44K
- Sewing Machine Operators$43K
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$42K
- Bakers$41K
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders$41K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$41K
- Food Batchmakers$40K
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$37K
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers$37K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$36K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$36K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$35K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry6 jobs
Personal Care and Service28 jobs
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance$94K
- Embalmers$72K
- Animal Trainers$69K
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$67K
- Costume Attendants$63K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$58K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$58K
- Skincare Specialists$57K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$52K
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other$52K
- Barbers$50K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$49K
- Residential Advisors$49K
- Tour and Travel Guides$45K
- Recreation Workers$45K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$44K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$42K
- Concierges$42K
- Funeral Attendants$42K
- Animal Caretakers$41K
- Childcare Workers$40K
- Gambling Dealers$40K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$40K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$38K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$38K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$36K
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners$36K
- Shampooers$35K
Healthcare Support17 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$85K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$78K
- Massage Therapists$78K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$59K
- Occupational Therapy Aides$58K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$54K
- Phlebotomists$51K
- Dental Assistants$50K
- Medical Assistants$48K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$46K
- Psychiatric Aides$46K
- Nursing Assistants$45K
- Orderlies$43K
- Pharmacy Aides$42K
- Medical Transcriptionists$40K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$39K
- Physical Therapist Aides$36K
Food Preparation and Serving Related16 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$74K
- Bartenders$56K
- Waiters and Waitresses$52K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$52K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$45K
- Cooks, Restaurant$43K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$41K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$40K
- Cooks, Short Order$40K
- Cooks, All Other$40K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$40K
- Food Preparation Workers$39K
- Cooks, Fast Food$37K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$37K
- Dishwashers$37K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$36K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance10 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$63K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$56K
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$54K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$53K
- Pest Control Workers$53K
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$50K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$48K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$44K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$40K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$40K
Jobs paid by the hour in Washington
For 3 jobs in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $75.57 | $64.25 | 410 |
| Actors | $35.89 | $23.10 | 450 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | $29.94 | $25.86 | n/a |
Average salary in nearby cities
- Hagerstown, MD$60,180 average · cost of living 94
- Baltimore, MD$76,370 average · cost of living 104
- Winchester, VA$60,410 average · cost of living 96
- Lexington Park, MD$82,580 average · cost of living 101
- Gettysburg, PA$56,630 average · cost of living 95
- Chambersburg, PA$57,150 average · cost of living 95
Advertisement
What locals say: vote a badge
Tap the badges that describe this place. One vote per badge and visitor, no account. A badge shows in the city rankings after 3 votes.
Salary in Washington: questions
What is a good salary in Washington?
Half of all workers in the Washington metro earn less than $71,060 and the average is $91,930. Earning more than $121,680 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Washington to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $75,968, because prices here are 9% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 108.9).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
Radiologists ($412,760), Dermatologists ($352,880), Anesthesiologists ($326,660).
What is the average salary in Arlington?
Arlington is part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area, where the average salary is $91,930 a year and the median $71,060. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Arlington, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
What is the average salary in Alexandria?
Alexandria is part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area, where the average salary is $91,930 a year and the median $71,060. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Alexandria, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (47900), all occupations and 704 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.