Geographers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a geographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $117,960/year ($56.71/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $142K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $108,339 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 30.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $118K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About geographers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level geographers (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $118K.Top earners bring in $142K or more - a $63K spread from bottom to top.
Geographers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $110K | +14% | 30 |
| Maryland | $109K | +12% | 260 |
| Missouri | $95K | -2% | 40 |
| Illinois | $91K | -6% | 50 |
| Arizona | $87K | -10% | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $85K | -12% | 40 |
| Texas | $76K | -22% | 170 |
Track geographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
Related careers in Science
Frequently asked questions
How much do geographers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $117,960 a year - that works out to about $56.71 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,390, and experienced geographers can clear $141,540. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $118K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,015/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 32% 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 geographers 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 geographers salary is worth about $108,339 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do geographers 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.