Data Scientist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 3K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$126,490
$60.81/hr
vs National Average
$107,281
+17.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$90K – $210K
3K employed in District of Columbia
Data Scientists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $126,490 per year, which is 18% above the national average. With approximately 2,680 data science professionals working in the region, the field represents a substantial employment sector. Salaries in this market range from $89,750 to $209,730 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual qualifications and roles.
Several factors influence Data Scientist salary in District of Columbia, including experience level, educational background, and specific industry sector. The region's strong presence of government agencies, think tanks, and technology companies creates competitive demand for skilled professionals. Advanced certifications, specialized technical skills, and proven track records managing complex data projects typically command higher compensation in this market.
Salary Distribution — Data Scientist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $89,750 |
| 25th percentile | $105,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,490 |
| 75th percentile | $174,650 |
| 90th percentile | $209,730 |
Top H-1B Employers for Data Scientist in District of Columbia
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in District of Columbia — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visa U.S.A. Inc. | 5 | $145,300 |
| 2 | PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES INC. | 3 | $145,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Data Scientist H-1B Salary by Wage Level in District of Columbia
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in District of Columbia.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $145,000 | 5 |
| Level II | Qualified | $123,700 | 11 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Data Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Data Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Data Scientists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $141,440 | 32K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $137,840 | 4K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $133,750 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,050 | 29K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,730 | 70K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Data Scientist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,660 |
| 2023 | $122,010 |
| 2024 | $137,120 |
| 2025 | $126,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,490 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,660 | $98,212 |
| 2023 | $122,010 | $104,916 |
| 2024 | $137,120 | $105,473 |
| 2025 | $126,490 | $107,281 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,490 | $107,281 |
Data Scientist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $174,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $209,730 |
Data Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Data Scientist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Data Scientist ($126,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Data Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in DC | $195,190 | +54.3% | $93.84/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in DC | $163,360 | +29.1% | $78.54/hr |
| Software Engineer in DC | $156,590 | +23.8% | $75.28/hr |
| Database Administrator in DC | $150,010 | +18.6% | $72.12/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in DC | $144,190 | +14.0% | $69.32/hr |
| Statistician in DC | $140,670 | +11.2% | $67.63/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in DC | $137,670 | +8.8% | $66.19/hr |
| Software Developer in DC | $136,880 | +8.2% | $65.81/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in DC | $135,090 | +6.8% | $64.95/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in DC | $116,820 | -7.6% | $56.16/hr |
| Web Developer in DC | $114,690 | -9.3% | $55.14/hr |
| Network Administrator in DC | $110,970 | -12.3% | $53.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data scientists make in Washington DC?
- Data scientists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $126,490 per year, or approximately $61 per hour. This is 17.9% higher than the national average for the role, making DC one of the most lucrative markets for data science professionals.
What is the salary range for data scientists in DC?
- Data scientist salaries in District of Columbia range from $89,750 at the lower end to $209,730 at the higher end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific job responsibilities within the field.
Is the DC data scientist salary above the national average?
- Yes, the median data scientist salary in District of Columbia at $126,490 is 17.9% above the national average. This premium reflects DC's strong job market, cost of living, and concentration of government and policy-focused organizations.
How many data scientists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 2,680 data scientists currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents a substantial professional community in the region with consistent demand for data science talent.