Health Education Specialists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, health education specialists earn $121,890 at the median — $58.6 an hour. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $167K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $111,949 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 31.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $122K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About health education specialists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level health education specialists (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $122K.Top earners bring in $167K or more - a $105K spread from bottom to top.
Health Education Specialists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $111K | +76% | 600 |
| Maryland | $101K | +60% | 2,160 |
| Georgia | $97K | +54% | 3,260 |
| Rhode Island | $80K | +28% | 160 |
| New Jersey | $78K | +24% | 1,220 |
| Minnesota | $78K | +24% | 1,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $75K | +19% | 2,230 |
| Oregon | $74K | +17% | 820 |
| New Hampshire | $74K | +17% | 140 |
| Alaska | $73K | +15% | 280 |
| Washington | $73K | +15% | 1,810 |
| Connecticut | $72K | +14% | 440 |
| Idaho | $70K | +11% | 370 |
| Ohio | $68K | +9% | 1,620 |
| Virginia | $68K | +8% | 830 |
Track health education specialists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
Related careers in Community & Social
Frequently asked questions
How much do health education specialists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $121,890 a year - that works out to about $58.6 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,700, and experienced health education specialists can clear $167,270. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $122K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,212/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 31.1% 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 health education specialists 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 health education specialists salary is worth about $111,949 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do health education specialists 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.