2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Food Scientists and Technologists is a above-average occupation in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median annual salary of $79,390. Food Scientists and Technologistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $5,920 less (7%) than the national median of $85,310. Experienced Food Scientists and Technologistss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Food Scientists and Technologistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $5,920 less (7%) than the national median of $85,310.
The average salary ($97,440) is notably higher than the median — this means top earners pull the average up. A small number of highly paid Food Scientists and Technologistss skew the data.
Only 120 Food Scientists and Technologistss work in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. Consider nearby metro areas for more opportunities.
Cost of Living Consideration
When evaluating this salary, factor in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV's cost of living. Housing, transportation, and taxes vary significantly between cities and can impact how far your paycheck goes.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,200 | $4,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,710 | $5,476 |
| Median | $79,390 | $6,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,160 | $10,347 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,610 | $11,468 |
| Mean (Average) | $97,440 | $8,120 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $105,670 |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | $103,810 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $102,630 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $102,270 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $101,770 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $101,740 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $101,070 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $99,320 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $99,140 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA | $98,770 |
| 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
$64,010
Monthly
$5,334
Bi-Weekly
$2,462
Effective Tax Rate
19.4%
* 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.