Physicists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a physicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $168,280/year ($80.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $102K at the entry level to $214K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $154,555 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 22.6% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $168K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About physicists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level physicists (10th percentile) start around $102K. Mid-career wages sit at $168K.Top earners bring in $214K or more - a $112K spread from bottom to top.
Physicists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $223K | +34% | 60 |
| Florida | $209K | +26% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $208K | +25% | 540 |
| Arizona | $191K | +15% | 70 |
| Oregon | $184K | +11% | 120 |
| California | $181K | +9% | 6,220 |
| Missouri | $180K | +9% | 90 |
| New Hampshire | $179K | +8% | 30 |
| New Mexico | $176K | +6% | 770 |
| New York | $174K | +5% | 1,190 |
| Wisconsin | $174K | +5% | 220 |
| Tennessee | $174K | +4% | 260 |
| Connecticut | $172K | +3% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $171K | +3% | 170 |
| Texas | $170K | +3% | 700 |
Track physicists 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 physicists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $168,280 a year - that works out to about $80.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $102,000, and experienced physicists can clear $214,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $168K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,526/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 23.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a physicists 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 physicists salary is worth about $154,555 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physicists 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.