Environmental Scientist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$132,620
$63.76/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+65.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $185K
1K employed in District of Columbia
Environmental Scientist salary in District of Columbia averages $132,620 annually, significantly outpacing opportunities in most other regions. With approximately 1,270 environmental scientists employed in the district, this position offers competitive compensation reflecting the area's concentration of federal agencies, research institutions, and environmental organizations focused on policy and sustainability initiatives.
Salaries for environmental scientists in this location vary considerably, ranging from $78,270 to $185,220 depending on experience, employer type, and specialization. The district's median is 66% above the national average, driven by higher costs of living, proximity to government decision-making bodies, and demand for specialists in environmental compliance, climate policy, and water quality management. Federal employment, private consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations all influence earning potential in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,270 |
| 25th percentile | $98,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $132,620 |
| 75th percentile | $161,470 |
| 90th percentile | $185,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $114,400 |
| 2023 | $115,730 |
| 2024 | $122,440 |
| 2025 | $132,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,577 |
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 | $114,400 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $115,730 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $122,440 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $132,620 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,577 | $84,845 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $132,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $161,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $185,220 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Environmental Scientist ($132,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in DC | $157,040 | +18.4% | $75.50/hr |
| Chemist in DC | $149,860 | +13.0% | $72.05/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DC | $137,000 | +3.3% | $65.87/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DC | $120,090 | -9.4% | $57.74/hr |
| Psychologist in DC | $107,000 | -19.3% | $51.44/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DC | $101,940 | -23.1% | $49.01/hr |
| Credit Analyst in DC | $132,590 | -0.0% | $63.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | +0.5% | $64.09/hr |
| Veterinarian in DC | $134,530 | +1.4% | $64.68/hr |
| Optometrist in DC | $134,840 | +1.7% | $64.83/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in DC | $135,090 | +1.9% | $64.95/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +1.9% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Washington DC?
- Environmental scientists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $132,620 per year, or $64 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 65.7% premium for working in the DC area.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in DC?
- Environmental scientist salaries in District of Columbia range from $78,270 at the lower end to $185,220 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific roles within the environmental science field.
Is DC a good place for environmental scientists to work salary-wise?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers exceptional compensation for environmental scientists, with salaries 65.7% above the national average. The median salary of $132,620 annually makes DC one of the most lucrative markets for this profession.
How many environmental scientists work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 1,270 environmental scientists employed in District of Columbia. This represents a substantial job market for professionals in this field within the DC area.