What is the median salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $128,940.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +31.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $98,390.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +44.0% versus the BLS national figure of $89,539.

What is the salary range for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $79,660 and the 90th-percentile at $181,210 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

What education is required for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$128,940

Mean annual$131,840

Range (10th to 90th)$79,660 to $181,210

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment590

State vs national+44.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. atmospheric and space scientists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $102,470 and $157,980, with a median of $128,940.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Physics
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
4.3 / 5
Geography
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.3 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.3 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
02
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
03
Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
04
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
05
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
06
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
07
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
08
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $128,940.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +31.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $98,390.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +44.0% versus the BLS national figure of $89,539.
What is the salary range for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $79,660 and the 90th-percentile at $181,210 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What education is required for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.