Top Paying Jobs in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 224,500 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Neurologists ($332,000), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($318,200), Podiatrists ($265,740). The cost of living index is 108.88 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $2,146/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$153K
Avg. median salary
108.88
Cost of living index
$2,146
Median 2BR rent
683,154
Population
Highest paying careers in District of Columbia
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Technical Writers | Arts & Media | $118K | $56.64/hr |
| 92 | Computer Systems Analysts | Technology | $117K | $56.16/hr |
| 93 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $117K | $56.07/hr |
| 94 | Printing Press Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $117K | $56.07/hr |
| 95 | Facilities Managers | Management | $116K | $55.66/hr |
| 96 | Labor Relations Specialists | Business & Finance | $116K | $55.58/hr |
| 97 | Web Developers | Technology | $115K | $55.14/hr |
| 98 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | Management | $114K | $54.77/hr |
| 99 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | Healthcare | $114K | $54.64/hr |
| 100 | Epidemiologists | Science | $112K | $54.02/hr |
Affordability snapshot: District of Columbia
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average+8.9% more expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$2,146/mo
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Metro areas in District of Columbia
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in District of Columbia?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data