Physicist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 480+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$157,040
$75.50/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+2.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$87K – $202K
480 employed in District of Columbia
Physicists working in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $157,040 per year, which is approximately 2% above the national average. With roughly 480 physicists employed in the region, the field represents a significant scientific workforce. Salaries in this market range from $86,820 to $202,360 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence physicist salary in District of Columbia, including educational credentials, years of experience, and specific research focus. The region's concentration of federal laboratories, universities, and government agencies creates competitive compensation for specialized roles. Industry sector also plays a meaningful role, as physicists in private research or advanced technology positions typically earn differently than those in academic or public sector roles.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $86,820 |
| 25th percentile | $123,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $157,040 |
| 75th percentile | $195,190 |
| 90th percentile | $202,360 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,480 |
| 2023 | $138,420 |
| 2024 | $153,340 |
| 2025 | $157,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,829 |
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 | $124,480 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $138,420 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $153,340 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $157,040 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,829 | $157,473 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $123,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $157,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $202,360 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Physicist ($157,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist in DC | $149,860 | -4.6% | $72.05/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DC | $137,000 | -12.8% | $65.87/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DC | $132,620 | -15.6% | $63.76/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DC | $120,090 | -23.5% | $57.74/hr |
| Psychologist in DC | $107,000 | -31.9% | $51.44/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DC | $101,940 | -35.1% | $49.01/hr |
| Software Engineer in DC | $156,590 | -0.3% | $75.28/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | +0.4% | $75.77/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | -1.2% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | -2.3% | $73.75/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in DC | $163,360 | +4.0% | $78.54/hr |
| Database Administrator in DC | $150,010 | -4.5% | $72.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for physicists in District of Columbia is $157,040 per year, or $76 per hour. This is approximately 2.1% higher than the national average for physicists, making DC a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for physicists in DC?
- Physicist salaries in District of Columbia range from $86,820 at the lower end to $202,360 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific roles within the field.
Are physicist salaries higher in DC than the national average?
- Yes, physicist salaries in District of Columbia are 2.1% higher than the national average, with a median of $157,040 compared to lower national figures. This makes DC one of the better-paying locations for physicists in the United States.
How many physicists are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 480 physicists currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents a moderate-sized physics workforce concentrated in the nation's capital.