2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physicists is a high-paying occupation in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median annual salary of $168,280. Physicistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $1,990 more (1%) than the national median of $166,290. Experienced Physicistss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Physicistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $1,990 more (1%) than the national median of $166,290.
About 1,940 Physicistss work in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, indicating a healthy local job market.
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 | $102,000 | $8,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,120 | $10,843 |
| Median | $168,280 | $14,023 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,880 | $15,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $214,330 | $17,861 |
| Mean (Average) | $165,950 | $13,829 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $226,750 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $219,070 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $215,340 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $214,520 |
| Richmond, VA | $212,950 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $212,050 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $211,600 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $206,070 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $202,610 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $188,400 |
| 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
$125,481
Monthly
$10,457
Bi-Weekly
$4,826
Effective Tax Rate
25.4%
* 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.