Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a social scientists and related workers, all other in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $137,610/year ($66.16/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $83K at the entry level to $206K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $126,387 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 27.6% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $138K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About social scientists and related workers, all others
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level social scientists and related workers, all others (10th percentile) start around $83K. Mid-career wages sit at $138K.Top earners bring in $206K or more - a $123K spread from bottom to top.
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $144K | +44% | 4,390 |
| Maryland | $130K | +29% | 2,520 |
| District of Columbia | $122K | +22% | 2,700 |
| Washington | $107K | +7% | 1,070 |
| Massachusetts | $105K | +4% | 430 |
| New York | $103K | +2% | 3,090 |
| Connecticut | $102K | +2% | 120 |
| Hawaii | $102K | +2% | 360 |
| California | $101K | +1% | 2,650 |
| Arizona | $97K | -3% | 700 |
| Oregon | $97K | -4% | 320 |
| New Jersey | $96K | -4% | 340 |
| Texas | $96K | -4% | 2,480 |
| Minnesota | $96K | -4% | 910 |
| Ohio | $96K | -4% | 1,560 |
Track social scientists and related workers, 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 social scientists and related workers, all others make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $137,610 a year - that works out to about $66.16 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $82,760, and experienced social scientists and related workers, all others can clear $206,110. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $138K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,996/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 28.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a social scientists and related workers, 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 social scientists and related workers, all other salary is worth about $126,387 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do social scientists and related workers, 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.