Average Salary in Washington, DC
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in Washington is $129,000/year. Washington, District of Columbia offers career opportunities with 8.5% state income tax. All figures are Washington-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
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Working in Washington, District of Columbia: Salary Guide (2026)
Washington is home to the WashingtonβDC metropolitan area with a population of 689,545. The city has a cost of living index of 152 (US average = 100), meaning living costs are above the national average.
District of Columbia has a 8.5% state income tax rate. When comparing offers with cities in no-income-tax states like Texas, Washington, or Florida, factor in this difference.
Top-paying industries in Washington
Washington's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
Washington salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Washington, DC?
Pay in Washington varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $129,000 per year β adjusted for Washington's cost of living (index 152, where 100 is the US average). Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in Washington?
Among the roles we track, Oral Surgeon is the highest-paying in Washington at a median of $520,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
Yes β District of Columbia levies a 8.5% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Washington.
How far does a salary go in Washington?
Washington's cost of living index is 152 (US average = 100), so living costs run about 52% above the US average. A $129,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $84,868 in an average-cost city.