Washington DC Salaries 2025
Nation's capital with America's highest median income
Median Household Income (#1 in USA)
Washington DC Salary Overview 2025
Washington DC boasts the highest median household income in the nation at $90,800—a function of its unique economy built around federal government, lobbying, consulting, and policy organizations. Unlike other high-income metros driven by technology or finance, DC's wealth flows from proximity to power and the massive federal workforce.
The District's economy is remarkably recession-resistant. Government employment provides stability through economic cycles, and the ecosystem of contractors, lobbyists, law firms, and nonprofits serving government needs creates consistent demand for educated professionals. The downside: extreme cost of living (148 index, 48% above average) and income taxes reaching 10.75%.
DC attracts ambitious professionals seeking policy influence, government careers, or access to the unique lobbying and consulting industries. The broader DMV region (DC, Maryland, Virginia) functions as a single job market, with many workers living in lower-cost suburbs while accessing DC employment. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Washington DC Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Washington DC | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $90,800 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $142,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $65,000 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $17.50/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 148 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 10.75% | Varies |
Salaries by DC Area & Industry
Federal Government
Median Federal Salary (DC area): $105,000
The federal government employs 370,000+ in the DC metro area. Salaries follow the General Schedule (GS) with DC locality adjustment (+32.49% in 2025). Entry-level GS-7: $52,000, mid-career GS-12: $88,000-$114,000, senior GS-14/15: $122,000-$191,000. Senior Executive Service (SES) ranges $147,000-$226,000. Benefits add 30-40% to compensation value (pension, healthcare, leave).
Agencies like Treasury, SEC, Fed, and specialized roles (attorneys, doctors) often exceed standard GS through special pay scales.
Federal Contractors
Average Contractor Salary: $95,000-$150,000
Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton) and IT contractors (SAIC, Leidos, General Dynamics IT) employ hundreds of thousands in the region. Cybersecurity specialists $100,000-$180,000, program managers $110,000-$170,000, cleared engineers $95,000-$160,000. Security clearances command 15-25% premiums.
Lobbying & Government Affairs
Salary Range: $60,000-$500,000+
K Street lobbying firms and corporate government affairs offices pay well for access and influence. Entry lobbyists $60,000-$90,000, senior lobbyists $150,000-$350,000, top partners $500,000-$2,000,000+. Trade associations pay $70,000-$250,000 depending on role and organization size.
Law Firms
BigLaw Associate Starting: $215,000
DC hosts numerous AmLaw 100 firms serving government, regulatory, and international clients. First-year associates at top firms start at $215,000 (Cravath scale), with partners earning $500,000-$5,000,000+. Boutique regulatory and government contracts practices also pay competitively.
Consulting
Salary Range: $80,000-$400,000+
Management consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain DC offices), government consulting, and specialized policy consulting thrive in DC. Entry consultants $80,000-$110,000, managers $140,000-$200,000, partners $300,000-$800,000+.
Nonprofits & Think Tanks
Salary Range: $45,000-$200,000
Brookings, Heritage, RAND, and hundreds of other think tanks and nonprofits employ policy researchers and advocates. Entry researchers $50,000-$70,000, senior fellows $100,000-$200,000. Trade-off: mission alignment and intellectual work for below-market pay.
| Sector | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (GS) | $52,000 | $100,000 | $175,000+ |
| Federal Contractors | $70,000 | $110,000 | $160,000+ |
| BigLaw | $215,000 | $350,000 | $1,000,000+ |
| Lobbying | $65,000 | $150,000 | $400,000+ |
| Consulting | $85,000 | $160,000 | $350,000+ |
| Think Tanks | $50,000 | $85,000 | $175,000+ |
GS Pay Scale Deep Dive
Understanding the General Schedule is essential for DC careers:
2025 GS Pay Scale (DC Locality, 32.49%)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 5 | Step 10 | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $42,500 | $46,200 | $51,400 | Entry admin, technician |
| GS-7 | $52,100 | $56,700 | $63,100 | Entry professional w/ BA |
| GS-9 | $63,800 | $69,300 | $77,200 | Entry w/ Master's, 1yr exp |
| GS-11 | $77,000 | $83,700 | $93,200 | Journey level professional |
| GS-12 | $92,300 | $100,300 | $111,700 | Full performance level |
| GS-13 | $109,800 | $119,300 | $132,900 | Senior professional, supervisor |
| GS-14 | $129,800 | $141,000 | $157,100 | Manager, senior expert |
| GS-15 | $152,700 | $165,900 | $191,900 | Director, senior manager |
Federal Benefits Value
Federal benefits add significant value beyond salary:
• FERS pension: ~1% of high-3 salary per year of service
• TSP matching: 5% automatic matching (essentially 5% raise)
• Health insurance: 72-75% government paid
• Annual leave: 13-26 days based on tenure + 13 sick days
• Job security: Difficult to terminate, stable through recessions
Total benefits value: estimated 30-40% of salary
DC Tax Analysis
DC Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $10,000 | 4.0% |
| $10,001 – $40,000 | 6.0% |
| $40,001 – $60,000 | 6.5% |
| $60,001 – $250,000 | 8.5% |
| $250,001 – $500,000 | 9.25% |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | 9.75% |
| $1,000,001+ | 10.75% |
Living in Virginia or Maryland
Many DC workers live in Virginia (lower taxes) or Maryland (moderate taxes) while working in DC:
| At $150K Salary | DC Tax | VA Tax | MD Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| State/Local Income Tax | ~$11,200 | ~$8,000 | ~$9,500 |
| Typical Housing Cost | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
| Commute | Shortest | Metro/car | Metro/car |
Virginia's lower income tax and no tax on retirement income attract many federal workers, particularly those planning long careers.
DC Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Washington DC | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 195 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $680,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,650 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 110 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 115 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 105 | 100 |
Housing by Area
| Area | Median Home/Condo | Median Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | $1,200,000 | $3,500 |
| Capitol Hill | $850,000 | $2,800 |
| Dupont/Logan Circle | $750,000 | $2,600 |
| Columbia Heights | $620,000 | $2,200 |
| Arlington, VA | $720,000 | $2,400 |
| Bethesda, MD | $950,000 | $2,500 |
| Silver Spring, MD | $520,000 | $1,900 |
Highest Paying Jobs in DC 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| BigLaw Partners | $800,000 | $3,000,000+ |
| Lobbyist (Senior) | $300,000 | $1,000,000+ |
| Physicians/Surgeons | $320,000 | $500,000+ |
| Consulting Partners | $400,000 | $800,000+ |
| IT Directors | $175,000 | $240,000+ |
| Cybersecurity Directors | $185,000 | $260,000+ |
| Federal SES | $185,000 | $226,000 |
| Trade Association CEO | $350,000 | $1,000,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DC worth the high cost of living?
For policy-oriented careers, absolutely—no substitute exists. For general tech or finance, other cities offer better value. Federal workers enjoy stable employment and benefits that partially offset costs. Young professionals often accept roommates and smaller apartments for career access.
Should I live in DC, Virginia, or Maryland?
DC: walkable, Metro access, no car needed, highest taxes. Virginia: lower taxes, good schools (Fairfax, Arlington), car often needed. Maryland: moderate costs, good Metro access (Silver Spring, Bethesda), higher taxes than VA. Choose based on job location, lifestyle preferences, and tax situation.
How do I get a federal job?
Apply through USAJobs.gov. Process is slow (3-6 months typical). Veteran preference exists. Entry paths: Pathways internship program for students, direct hire for specialized skills, contractor-to-federal conversion. Networking and informational interviews help understand specific agencies.
Is a security clearance worth pursuing?
Yes, if you qualify and can pass investigation. Clearances (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) command 15-25% salary premiums and access to stable contractor and federal employment. Process takes 6-18 months; past drug use, foreign contacts, or financial issues can disqualify.
How stable is DC during administration changes?
Very stable for career federal employees and contractors—political appointees change, but 95%+ of federal workforce remains. Lobbying and consulting may shift focus but remain active regardless of party. Recession-resistance is a key DC advantage.