Electrical Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 330+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$143,000
$68.75/hr
vs National Average
$114,434
+25.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$87K – $195K
330 employed in District of Columbia
The electrical engineer salary in District of Columbia averages $143,000 annually, positioning the nation's capital as a competitive market for this profession. With 330 electrical engineers employed in the region, salaries range from $87,450 to $195,190 depending on experience and specialization. This median is approximately 25% above the national average, reflecting the area's concentration of federal agencies, technology firms, and government contractors.
Several factors influence electrical engineer compensation in this region. Experience level, educational credentials, and specific engineering specialization significantly impact earnings potential. Additionally, the cost of living in District of Columbia and demand for specialized skills in defense, telecommunications, and infrastructure projects drive higher salary offerings compared to other markets.
Salary Distribution — Electrical Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $87,450 |
| 25th percentile | $111,530 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $143,000 |
| 75th percentile | $173,790 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Electrical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Electrical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Electrical Engineers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $165,890 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $134,040 | 720 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $130,610 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $126,920 | 10K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $126,210 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Electrical Engineer in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,940 |
| 2023 | $129,670 |
| 2024 | $138,860 |
| 2025 | $143,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,263 |
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 | $125,940 | $101,706 |
| 2023 | $129,670 | $106,188 |
| 2024 | $138,860 | $111,022 |
| 2025 | $143,000 | $114,434 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,263 | $117,846 |
Electrical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $111,530 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $143,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $173,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Electrical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Electrical Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Electrical Engineer ($143,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Electrical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +36.5% | $93.84/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | +29.5% | $89.05/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | +20.5% | $82.85/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | +10.2% | $75.77/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | -6.8% | $64.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -27.4% | $49.94/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -27.8% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -29.4% | $48.52/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in DC | $144,190 | +0.8% | $69.32/hr |
| Sales Manager in DC | $141,800 | -0.8% | $68.17/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in DC | $141,710 | -0.9% | $68.13/hr |
| Statistician in DC | $140,670 | -1.6% | $67.63/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Washington DC?
- Electrical engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $143,000 per year, or approximately $69 per hour. This is 25% higher than the national average for the profession, making DC one of the more lucrative markets for electrical engineers.
What is the salary range for electrical engineers in DC?
- Electrical engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $87,450 at the low end to $195,190 at the high end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the DC market.
Is DC a good place to work as an electrical engineer salary-wise?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers competitive compensation for electrical engineers with a median salary of $143,000, which exceeds the national average by 25%. With approximately 330 electrical engineers employed in the area, there's a stable job market supporting these higher wage levels.
What percentage above average is the electrical engineer salary in Washington DC?
- Electrical engineers in District of Columbia earn 25% more than the national average, with a median salary of $143,000 compared to the national median. This premium reflects DC's higher cost of living and demand for skilled engineering professionals.