Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $128,940 +32.3% vs national
Median hourly $61.99
10th percentile $79,660
90th percentile $181,210
Employed locally 590
National median $97,450

Compare Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Atmospheric and Space Scientists
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Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $79,660
    25th
    $102,470
    50th (median)
    $128,940
    75th
    $157,980
    90th
    $181,210

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary vs area income 104% Median Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary is 4% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $141,370
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $134,060
    San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX $132,850
    Hawaii $122,180
    Urban Honolulu, HI $122,180
    Boulder, CO $121,870

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $137,610
    Biological Scientists, All Other $105,580
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,120
    Economists $157,980
    Political Scientists $153,340
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $109,520

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Atmospheric and Space Scientists make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $61.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $87.82 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Atmospheric and Space Scientists salaries?

    The median Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 32.3% above the national median of $97,450. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Washington?

    Entry-level Atmospheric and Space Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $79,660 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $102,470.