Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, environmental scientists and specialists, including healths earn $109,520 at the median — $52.65 an hour. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $180K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $100,588 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 33.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $110K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About environmental scientists and specialists, including healths
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level environmental scientists and specialists, including healths (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $110K.Top earners bring in $180K or more - a $115K spread from bottom to top.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $122K | +53% | 1,480 |
| California | $98K | +22% | 13,200 |
| Massachusetts | $96K | +20% | 2,890 |
| Oregon | $94K | +17% | 1,400 |
| Rhode Island | $90K | +13% | 370 |
| Illinois | $89K | +11% | 1,330 |
| Washington | $89K | +11% | 4,280 |
| Minnesota | $87K | +9% | 1,980 |
| Alaska | $87K | +9% | 660 |
| Maryland | $82K | +3% | 1,800 |
| Georgia | $82K | +2% | 1,530 |
| Utah | $81K | +2% | 860 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +2% | 680 |
| North Dakota | $81K | +1% | 230 |
| Ohio | $81K | +1% | 2,570 |
Track environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do environmental scientists and specialists, including healths make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $109,520 a year - that works out to about $52.65 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,780, and experienced environmental scientists and specialists, including healths can clear $180,360. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $110K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,581/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 34.1% 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 environmental scientists and specialists, including health 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 environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary is worth about $100,588 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do environmental scientists and specialists, including healths 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.