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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: District of Columbia vs Virginia

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in District of Columbia earn a median of $132,620. In Virginia, $82,230. After cost-of-living, the gap is 48.4% — not 61.3%.

Nominal pay gap
+61.3%
District of Columbia vs Virginia
COL-adjusted gap
+48.4%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

District of Columbia

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$132,620
p25
$98,410
p75
$161,470
p10
$78,270
p90
$185,220
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
109.9
Hiring velocity (180d)
-67%
See full breakdown for District of Columbia

Virginia

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$82,230
p25
$68,030
p75
$102,750
p10
$57,720
p90
$135,580
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
101.1
Hiring velocity (180d)
-60%
See full breakdown for Virginia

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.