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Engineering

Engineers, All Other Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, engineers, all others earn $162,610 at the median — $78.18 an hour. The range runs from $83K at the entry level to $199K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $149,348 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 23.4% of estimated take-home pay.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$163K
Median annual
$78.18/hr
Hourly rate
$83K
Entry level (10th %)
$199K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $163K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?

Take-home$9,243/mo
2BR rent (FMR)-$2,246/mo
Rent burden24.3%
COL-adjusted salary$149,348/yr
After rent$6,997/mo
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About engineers, all others

U.S. employed: 7,950
Category: Engineering
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Currently hiring in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Bar chart showing Engineers, All Other salary percentiles in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: 10th percentile $82,760, 25th percentile $125,820, median $162,610, 75th percentile $191,880, 90th percentile $198,580. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$83K25th$126KMedian$163K75th$192K90th$199K
Bar chart showing Engineers, All Other salary percentiles in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: 10th percentile $82,760, 25th percentile $125,820, median $162,610, 75th percentile $191,880, 90th percentile $198,580. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level engineers, all others (10th percentile) start around $83K. Mid-career wages sit at $163K.Top earners bring in $199K or more - a $116K spread from bottom to top.

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Engineers, All Other pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
District of Columbia$167K+42%2,640
Alabama$146K+24%3,370
New Mexico$143K+21%1,720
Virginia$142K+21%5,980
Wyoming$139K+18%190
Maryland$136K+15%6,670
Alaska$132K+12%280
Massachusetts$132K+12%2,930
New Jersey$132K+12%3,910
Rhode Island$132K+12%390
Idaho$131K+12%590
California$129K+9%26,500
Oregon$126K+7%2,540
Washington$125K+6%3,150
Hawaii$120K+2%920

Track engineers, all other 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 engineers, all others make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median is $162,610 a year - that works out to about $78.18 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $82,760, and experienced engineers, all others can clear $198,580. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $163K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,243/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 24.3% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.

How far does a engineers, all other 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 engineers, all other salary is worth about $149,348 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do engineers, all others 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.

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