2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Economists is a high-paying occupation in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median annual salary of $157,980. Economistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $42,540 more (37%) than the national median of $115,440. Experienced Economistss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Economistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $42,540 more (37%) than the national median of $115,440.
About 4,300 Economistss work in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, indicating a healthy local job market.
Cost of Living Consideration
While Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV offers higher pay, remember that cost of living may also be higher. A $157,980 salary here may not go as far as $115,440 in a lower-cost area. Consider housing, taxes, and commute costs.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $84,400 | $7,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,740 | $10,062 |
| Median | $157,980 | $13,165 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,880 | $15,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,810 | $18,651 |
| Mean (Average) | $160,290 | $13,358 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $168,850 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $157,980 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $134,410 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $131,160 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $129,280 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA | $127,220 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $125,630 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $123,140 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $121,820 |
| Richmond, VA | $118,610 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $224,330 |
| Lawyers | $191,880 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $189,770 |
| Database Administrators | $188,120 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $180,360 |
| Financial Managers | $177,690 |
| Marketing Managers | $176,240 |
| Human Resources Managers | $172,970 |
| Physicists | $168,280 |
| Managers, All Other | $167,270 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$118,441
Monthly
$9,870
Bi-Weekly
$4,555
Effective Tax Rate
25.0%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
The cost of living in Washington, DC is 8.9% above the national average (index: 108.9). See full cost breakdown →
After adjusting for local cost of living, the purchasing power of Washington, DC salaries is equivalent to $91,018 in an average-cost US city.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WVto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.