📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Environmental Scientist Salary in District of Columbia (2026)

District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$122,284
per year
Median
$111,310
per year
Hourly
$58.79
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$76,840
25th Percentile — Junior$102,087
50th Percentile — Median$111,310
75th Percentile — Senior$158,893
90th Percentile — Top Earners$181,023
💡 Top-earning Environmental Scientists in District of Columbia make up to $181,023 per year. The job market in District of Columbia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Finance, Technology.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$99.5k
2021
$103.7k
2022
$108.1k
2023
$112.6k
2024
$117.4k
2025
$122.3k
2026
📈 Environmental Scientist salaries in District of Columbia have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong demand in District of Columbia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Environmental Scientist Salary by City in District of Columbia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Washington $185,872 +52.0% High
🔍
Environmental Scientist Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Environmental Scientists. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $122,284 per year, District of Columbia's Environmental Scientist salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $76,840–$102,087, while experienced Environmental Scientists can command $158,893–$181,023.

Looking ahead, the Environmental Scientist profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Environmental Scientist salary in District of Columbia is $122,284 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $80,450.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Environmental Scientists the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Environmental Scientist employment.
  • At $122,284/year, District of Columbia Environmental Scientist salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $80,450/year.