Couriers and Messengers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Couriers and Messengers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $45,780 a year, or about $22.01 an hour. The range runs from $33K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $42,046 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 71.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $46K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About couriers and messengers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level couriers and messengers (10th percentile) start around $33K. Mid-career wages sit at $46K.Top earners bring in $59K or more - a $25K spread from bottom to top.
Couriers and Messengers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $45K | +16% | 8,970 |
| Washington | $44K | +15% | 1,670 |
| District of Columbia | $44K | +15% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $44K | +14% | 640 |
| Nevada | $42K | +11% | 650 |
| Massachusetts | $42K | +10% | 1,170 |
| Oregon | $42K | +9% | 770 |
| Utah | $42K | +9% | 1,040 |
| Maine | $40K | +4% | 40 |
| New York | $40K | +4% | 7,530 |
| New Jersey | $40K | +4% | 2,490 |
| Illinois | $40K | +3% | 1,560 |
| Vermont | $40K | +3% | 60 |
| Missouri | $40K | +3% | 1,390 |
| Alaska | $39K | +2% | 190 |
Track couriers and messengers 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 couriers and messengers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $45,780 a year - that works out to about $22.01 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,330, and experienced couriers and messengers can clear $58,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $46K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,096/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 72.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a couriers and messengers 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 couriers and messengers salary is worth about $42,046 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do couriers and messengers 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.