Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a atmospheric and space scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $128,940/year ($61.99/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $80K at the entry level to $181K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $118,424 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 29.5% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $129K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About atmospheric and space scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level atmospheric and space scientists (10th percentile) start around $80K. Mid-career wages sit at $129K.Top earners bring in $181K or more - a $102K spread from bottom to top.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122K | +25% | 60 |
| California | $118K | +21% | 580 |
| Idaho | $117K | +20% | 50 |
| Missouri | $116K | +20% | 140 |
| Oregon | $116K | +19% | 100 |
| New Mexico | $114K | +17% | 60 |
| Virginia | $112K | +15% | 150 |
| Nebraska | $110K | +13% | 80 |
| Tennessee | $110K | +13% | 120 |
| Montana | $107K | +10% | 60 |
| Maryland | $105K | +7% | 710 |
| Louisiana | $104K | +7% | 80 |
| New Jersey | $104K | +7% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $104K | +7% | 140 |
| Nevada | $104K | +6% | 120 |
Track atmospheric and space scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do atmospheric and space scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $128,940 a year - that works out to about $61.99 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $79,660, and experienced atmospheric and space scientists can clear $181,210. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $129K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,564/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 29.7% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a atmospheric and space scientists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median atmospheric and space scientists salary is worth about $118,424 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do atmospheric and space scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.