Physicist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 480+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$157,040
$75.5/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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,480 |
| 2023 | $138,420 |
| 2024 | $153,340 |
| 2025 | $157,040 |
| 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 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
Physicist Salary in Other States
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.