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.
ⓘ
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $195K | $93.84/hr |
| 12 | Financial Managers | Management | $189K | $90.81/hr |
| 13 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $185K | $89.05/hr |
| 14 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $184K | $88.63/hr |
| 15 | Emergency Management Directors | Management | $184K | $88.63/hr |
| 16 | Psychiatrists | Healthcare | $183K | $88.02/hr |
| 17 | Radiologists | Healthcare | $182K | $87.72/hr |
| 18 | Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | Legal | $181K | $87.05/hr |
| 19 | Marketing Managers | Management | $177K | $85.18/hr |
| 20 | Managers, All Other | Management | $176K | $84.48/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
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
Metro areas in District of Columbia
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
Compare District of Columbia to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Remote work salary calculator
See what your salary is worth in District of Columbia
Calculate take-home pay in District of Columbia
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in District of Columbia?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in District of Columbia?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data