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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | Healthcare | $129K | $61.88/hr |
| 72 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $129K | $61.83/hr |
| 73 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | Science | $128K | $61.75/hr |
| 74 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $128K | N/A |
| 75 | Therapists, All Other | Healthcare | $127K | $61.06/hr |
| 76 | First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | Public Safety | $127K | $60.85/hr |
| 77 | Data Scientists | Technology | $126K | $60.81/hr |
| 78 | Construction Managers | Management | $126K | $60.78/hr |
| 79 | Management Analysts | Business & Finance | $126K | $60.65/hr |
| 80 | Psychologists, All Other | Science | $125K | $60.15/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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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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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