Highest-paying jobs in District of Columbia
Answer
Public Relations Managers have the highest median pay in District of Columbia, $197,600 a year, followed by computer and information systems managers ($195,190) and lawyers ($195,190). The median for all jobs in District of Columbia is $91,540, 1st of the 50 states and DC; adjusted for local prices it ranks 1st.
- Median salary, all jobs
- $91,540
- 1st of 51 · US $50,980
- Median hourly wage
- $44.01
- US $24.51
- Price level (US = 100)
- 109.9
- Median worth $83,293 at US prices (1st)
- Jobs
- 701,920
- 432 occupations published
How these lists work
Occupations with at least 500 jobs in District of Columbia, ranked by median annual wage (BLS OEWS, May 2025, state estimates). Typical entry education from BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Occupations BLS did not publish for District of Columbia are not listed. Methodology
The 25 highest-paying jobs in District of Columbia
| # | Occupation | Median pay | Hourly median | Jobs | US median | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Relations Managers | $197,600 | $95.00 | 7,410 | $146,910 | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $195,190 | $93.84 | 5,690 | $175,140 | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Lawyers | $195,190 | $93.84 | 33,070 | $159,670 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 4 | Financial Managers | $188,880 | $90.81 | 8,930 | $166,570 | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $185,220 | $89.05 | 1,290 | $171,270 | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Human Resources Managers | $184,350 | $88.63 | 2,250 | $149,280 | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Marketing Managers | $177,170 | $85.18 | 3,470 | $166,790 | Bachelor's degree |
| 8 | Purchasing Managers | $175,720 | $84.48 | 1,110 | $148,080 | Bachelor's degree |
| 9 | General and Operations Managers | $168,000 | $80.77 | 36,150 | $105,770 | Bachelor's degree |
| 10 | Economists | $167,590 | $80.57 | 3,000 | $124,720 | Master's degree |
| 11 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $167,520 | — | 1,460 | $107,310 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 12 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $160,760 | $77.29 | 2,980 | $93,790 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | Natural Sciences Managers | $156,730 | $75.35 | 1,540 | $167,220 | Bachelor's degree |
| 14 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $155,140 | $74.59 | 2,010 | $123,860 | Bachelor's degree |
| 15 | Pharmacists | $153,400 | $73.75 | 850 | $140,910 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 16 | Political Scientists | $152,530 | $73.33 | 3,070 | $142,080 | Master's degree |
| 17 | Database Architects | $150,010 | $72.12 | 790 | $139,500 | Bachelor's degree |
| 18 | Sales Managers | $141,800 | $68.18 | 1,930 | $148,270 | Bachelor's degree |
| 19 | Fundraising Managers | $141,720 | $68.14 | 800 | $125,470 | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Statisticians | $140,670 | $67.63 | 550 | $105,650 | Master's degree |
| 21 | Computer Network Architects | $137,670 | $66.19 | 1,490 | $134,050 | Bachelor's degree |
| 22 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $137,470 | — | 1,930 | $105,870 | Master's degree |
| 23 | Software Developers | $136,880 | $65.81 | 6,120 | $135,980 | Bachelor's degree |
| 24 | Nurse Practitioners | $135,880 | $65.33 | 680 | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| 25 | Information Security Analysts | $135,090 | $64.95 | 1,510 | $129,180 | Bachelor's degree |
Highest-paying jobs in District of Columbia without a degree
Typical entry education is a high school diploma, no formal credential, some college or a postsecondary certificate.
| # | Occupation | Median pay | Hourly median | Jobs | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $160,760 | $77.29 | 2,980 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 2 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $134,760 | $64.79 | 1,230 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 3 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $132,180 | $63.55 | 610 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 4 | Real Estate Sales Agents | $123,770 | $59.51 | 590 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 5 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $101,020 | $48.57 | 1,010 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $99,280 | $47.73 | 1,940 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 7 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $97,600 | $46.92 | 500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 8 | Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $94,080 | $45.23 | 2,040 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $90,850 | $43.68 | 4,560 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $90,470 | $43.50 | 620 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $88,650 | $42.62 | 4,720 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $88,420 | $42.51 | 580 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $86,520 | $41.60 | 1,420 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $83,710 | $40.24 | 710 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $83,460 | $40.13 | 1,260 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Most common jobs in District of Columbia
| # | Occupation | Jobs | Median pay | Hourly median | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General and Operations Managers | 36,150 | $168,000 | $80.77 | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Lawyers | 33,070 | $195,190 | $93.84 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 3 | Management Analysts | 19,000 | $126,140 | $60.65 | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Public Relations Specialists | 16,720 | $102,740 | $49.40 | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 16,400 | $38,520 | $18.52 | No formal educational credential |
| 6 | Security Guards | 15,880 | $64,210 | $30.87 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 7 | Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 12,810 | $42,700 | $20.53 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 8 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 11,800 | $59,910 | $28.80 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | Waiters and Waitresses | 11,530 | $47,850 | $23.01 | No formal educational credential |
| 10 | Registered Nurses | 11,440 | $102,540 | $49.30 | Bachelor's degree |
| 11 | Accountants and Auditors | 9,810 | $111,530 | $53.62 | Bachelor's degree |
| 12 | Financial Managers | 8,930 | $188,880 | $90.81 | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Cooks, Restaurant | 7,720 | $46,130 | $22.18 | No formal educational credential |
| 14 | Customer Service Representatives | 7,550 | $48,250 | $23.20 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Public Relations Managers | 7,410 | $197,600 | $95.00 | Bachelor's degree |
| 16 | Human Resources Specialists | 6,910 | $110,970 | $53.35 | Bachelor's degree |
| 17 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 6,400 | $89,750 | $43.15 | Associate's degree |
| 18 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 6,340 | $98,090 | $47.16 | Bachelor's degree |
| 19 | Software Developers | 6,120 | $136,880 | $65.81 | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Cashiers | 6,060 | $38,880 | $18.69 | No formal educational credential |
Jobs concentrated in District of Columbia
Concentration is the location quotient: the occupation’s share of jobs in the state divided by its share nationally. 2.0× means twice as common as in the US overall.
| # | Occupation | Concentration vs. US | Jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Political Scientists | 122.8× | 3,070 | $152,530 |
| 2 | Economists | 37.3× | 3,000 | $167,590 |
| 3 | Public Relations Managers | 21.9× | 7,410 | $197,600 |
| 4 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 14.7× | 1,120 | $102,310 |
| 5 | Concierges | 13.5× | 3,000 | $38,230 |
| 6 | Public Relations Specialists | 13.1× | 16,720 | $102,740 |
| 7 | Social Science Research Assistants | 11.3× | 1,560 | $65,330 |
| 8 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | 9.7× | 1,720 | $105,390 |
| 9 | Lawyers | 9.7× | 33,070 | $195,190 |
| 10 | Museum Technicians and Conservators | 9.3× | 520 | $76,110 |
| 11 | Air Traffic Controllers | 8.1× | 820 | $47,760 |
| 12 | Editors | 8.0× | 3,310 | $83,920 |
What 116 careers pay in District of Columbia
Click a heading to sort
| OB-GYN | $239,200+ | — | — | $292,910 | 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurologist | $332,000 | 11 | $302,090 | $248,560 | 50 |
| Anesthesiologist | $202,570 | 25 | $184,320 | $391,490 | 100 |
| Lawyer | $195,190 | 2 | $177,605 | $159,670 | 33,070 |
| HR Manager | $184,350 | 1 | $167,742 | $149,280 | 2,250 |
| Psychiatrist | $183,080 | 41 | $166,586 | $281,870 | 310 |
| Radiologist | $182,450 | 29 | $166,013 | $420,860 | 80 |
| Marketing Manager | $177,170 | 7 | $161,209 | $166,790 | 3,470 |
| Operations Manager | $168,000 | 2 | $152,865 | $105,770 | 36,150 |
| Actuary | $166,230 | 2 | $151,254 | $130,000 | 160 |
| Computer Engineer | $163,360 | 7 | $148,643 | $161,740 | 210 |
| Detective | $160,760 | 1 | $146,277 | $93,790 | 2,980 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $157,600 | 4 | $143,402 | $134,960 | 290 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $155,140 | 2 | $141,163 | $123,860 | 2,010 |
| Pharmacist | $153,400 | 8 | $139,580 | $140,910 | 850 |
| Electrical Engineer | $143,000 | 3 | $130,117 | $120,630 | 330 |
| Network Engineer | $137,670 | 13 | $125,267 | $134,050 | 1,490 |
| School Principal | $137,470 | 5 | $125,085 | $105,870 | 1,930 |
| Dental Hygienist | $137,220 | 1 | $124,858 | $98,100 | 320 |
| Software Engineer | $136,880 | 9 | $124,548 | $135,980 | 6,120 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,880 | 14 | $123,639 | $132,300 | 680 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,140 | 21 | $122,965 | $135,880 | 470 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $135,090 | 7 | $122,920 | $129,180 | 1,510 |
| Optometrist | $134,840 | 28 | $122,692 | $136,570 | 50 |
| Veterinarian | $134,530 | 7 | $122,410 | $130,100 | 190 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $133,300 | 2 | $121,291 | $104,110 | 510 |
| MRI Technician | $128,710 | 1 | $117,114 | $95,480 | 150 |
| Data Scientist | $126,490 | 9 | $115,094 | $120,230 | 2,680 |
| Construction Manager | $126,430 | 12 | $115,040 | $114,990 | 1,250 |
| Business Analyst | $126,140 | 2 | $114,776 | $101,860 | 19,000 |
| Real Estate Agent | $123,770 | 1 | $112,620 | $52,830 | 590 |
| Elevator Mechanic | $122,570 | 13 | $111,528 | $109,910 | — |
| Web Developer | $114,690 | 4 | $104,358 | $92,650 | 430 |
| Ultrasound Technician | $112,020 | 5 | $101,928 | $96,590 | 160 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $111,950 | 1 | $101,864 | $82,280 | 430 |
| Accountant | $111,530 | 1 | $101,482 | $83,680 | 9,810 |
| HR Specialist | $110,970 | 1 | $100,973 | $75,940 | 6,910 |
| Speech-language Pathologist | $109,380 | 3 | $99,526 | $97,870 | 390 |
| Occupational Therapist | $109,170 | 4 | $99,335 | $100,330 | 540 |
| UX Designer | $107,650 | 6 | $97,952 | $104,000 | 480 |
| School Psychologist | $107,500 | 6 | $97,815 | $95,990 | 250 |
| Marine Biologist (Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist data) | $107,050 | 2 | $97,406 | $76,780 | 140 |
| Psychologist | $107,000 | 17 | $97,360 | $100,580 | 220 |
| Financial Analyst | $105,780 | 9 | $96,250 | $102,740 | 3,670 |
| Financial Advisor | $104,990 | 14 | $95,531 | $105,070 | 480 |
| Project Manager | $104,900 | 12 | $95,450 | $102,320 | 5,170 |
| Civil Engineer | $103,880 | 10 | $94,521 | $100,840 | 1,650 |
| Meteorologist | $103,860 | 19 | $94,503 | $99,070 | 70 |
| Radiology Technician | $102,770 | 3 | $93,511 | $80,110 | 660 |
| Registered Nurse | $102,540 | 11 | $93,302 | $97,550 | 11,440 |
| Labor and Delivery Nurse (RN data) | $102,540 | 11 | $93,302 | $97,550 | 11,440 |
| NICU Nurse (RN data) | $102,540 | 11 | $93,302 | $97,550 | 11,440 |
| Travel Nurse (RN data) | $102,540 | 11 | $93,302 | $97,550 | 11,440 |
| ICU Nurse (RN data) | $102,540 | 11 | $93,302 | $97,550 | 11,440 |
| Pediatric Nurse (RN data) | $102,540 | 11 | $93,302 | $97,550 | 11,440 |
| Audiologist | $102,500 | 14 | $93,266 | $95,780 | 40 |
| Architect | $102,040 | 11 | $92,847 | $99,280 | 1,700 |
| Physical Therapist | $101,640 | 21 | $92,483 | $102,760 | 610 |
| Nurse Midwife | $101,450 | 38 | $92,310 | $134,040 | 70 |
| Lineman | $101,240 | 24 | $92,119 | $95,320 | 150 |
| Claims Adjuster | $101,150 | 1 | $92,037 | $78,000 | 360 |
| Plumber | $101,020 | 1 | $91,919 | $63,800 | 1,010 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $100,920 | 21 | $91,828 | $109,370 | 80 |
| Radiation Therapist | $100,250 | 24 | $91,218 | $105,310 | 70 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist | $99,380 | 6 | $90,427 | $74,310 | 280 |
| Interior Designer | $98,450 | 1 | $89,581 | $67,190 | 620 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,580 | 3 | $87,879 | $63,970 | 3,750 |
| Librarian | $96,550 | 2 | $87,852 | $68,270 | 960 |
| Loan Officer | $92,890 | 8 | $84,522 | $76,690 | 370 |
| Paralegal | $89,750 | 1 | $81,664 | $62,890 | 6,400 |
| Police Officer | $88,650 | 9 | $80,664 | $76,210 | 4,720 |
| Graphic Designer | $87,920 | 1 | $79,999 | $62,960 | 1,150 |
| Insurance Agent | $84,530 | 1 | $76,915 | $62,280 | — |
| HVAC Technician | $84,390 | 1 | $76,787 | $61,010 | 400 |
| High School Teacher | $82,750 | 6 | $75,295 | $72,040 | 2,800 |
| Nutritionist | $82,150 | 8 | $74,749 | $76,400 | 270 |
| IT Support Specialist | $80,950 | 1 | $73,657 | $61,860 | 3,140 |
| School Counselor | $80,470 | 4 | $73,220 | $64,330 | 1,690 |
| Pediatrician | $79,240 | 49 | $72,101 | $210,040 | — |
| Electrician | $78,970 | 7 | $71,856 | $63,190 | 2,440 |
| Paramedic | $78,550 | 4 | $71,473 | $60,600 | 90 |
| Surgical Technician | $77,520 | 9 | $70,536 | $64,650 | 340 |
| Esthetician | $77,480 | 2 | $70,500 | $45,330 | 200 |
| Medical Lab Technician | $76,560 | 6 | $69,663 | $62,930 | 960 |
| Chef | $76,420 | 3 | $69,535 | $62,470 | 2,020 |
| Firefighter | $75,870 | 7 | $69,035 | $59,280 | 1,480 |
| LPN | $75,740 | 10 | $68,917 | $64,400 | 1,040 |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,450 | 4 | $67,743 | $62,520 | 100 |
| Private Investigator | $72,720 | 3 | $66,169 | $51,220 | — |
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist | $72,040 | 1 | $65,550 | $51,140 | 270 |
| Auto Mechanic | $68,660 | 1 | $62,474 | $50,620 | 310 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $65,200 | 16 | $59,326 | $61,770 | 110 |
| Mail Carrier | $64,250 | 1 | $58,462 | $60,550 | 930 |
| Truck Driver | $64,170 | 3 | $58,389 | $58,640 | 830 |
| Massage Therapist | $64,110 | 10 | $58,334 | $58,450 | 120 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,400 | 36 | $57,688 | $68,380 | 40 |
| Carpenter | $61,710 | 18 | $56,151 | $60,580 | 1,540 |
| Vet Tech | $61,270 | 1 | $55,750 | $47,380 | 120 |
| Dental Assistant | $60,580 | 2 | $55,122 | $48,070 | 630 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $60,450 | 21 | $55,004 | $59,350 | 1,260 |
| Welder | $60,180 | 15 | $54,758 | $53,750 | 280 |
| Bus Driver | $55,580 | 19 | $50,573 | $59,050 | 150 |
| Garbage Collector | $55,490 | 16 | $50,491 | $49,690 | 540 |
| Cosmetologist | $54,570 | 3 | $49,654 | $35,790 | 870 |
| Bartender | $53,920 | 4 | $49,062 | $34,340 | 5,760 |
| Phlebotomist | $51,980 | 2 | $47,297 | $45,230 | 180 |
| Medical Assistant | $51,050 | 3 | $46,451 | $45,690 | 2,260 |
| Construction Worker | $50,020 | 17 | $45,514 | $47,120 | 2,090 |
| Substitute Teacher | $49,790 | 7 | $45,304 | $41,670 | 750 |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $48,670 | 15 | $44,285 | $47,700 | 310 |
| Air Traffic Controller | $47,760 | 43 | $43,457 | $148,080 | 820 |
| CNA | $47,700 | 5 | $43,403 | $42,260 | 3,490 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $47,410 | 14 | $43,139 | $45,750 | 1,130 |
| EMT | $46,650 | 15 | $42,447 | $44,470 | 370 |
| Personal Trainer | $39,210 | 40 | $35,678 | $47,160 | 1,480 |
| Nail Technician | $36,620 | 22 | $33,321 | $35,760 | — |
BLS OEWS, May 2025, state estimates; adjusted with BEA regional price parities (2024). Rank among states: 1 = highest median of the states with published data.