What is the median salary for Physicists in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $168,280.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Physicists?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +9.7% versus the District of Columbia state median of $153,340.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Physicists?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +4.0% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.

What is the salary range for Physicists in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $102,000 and the 90th-percentile at $214,330 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

What education is required for Physicists?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Physicists Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$168,280

Mean annual$165,950

Range (10th to 90th)$102,000 to $214,330

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment1,940

State vs national+4.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. physicists 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 $130,120 and $191,880, with a median of $168,280.

Typical entry

Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Physics
Knowledge
4.9 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
4.8 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
4.8 / 5
Science
Basic skill
4.6 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
Mathematics
Basic skill
4.3 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.3 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
02
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
03
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
04
Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
05
Write research proposals to receive funding.
06
Teach physics to students.
07
Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
08
Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physicists in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $168,280.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Physicists?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +9.7% versus the District of Columbia state median of $153,340.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Physicists?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +4.0% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.
What is the salary range for Physicists in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $102,000 and the 90th-percentile at $214,330 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What education is required for Physicists?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional 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.