Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

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

Median annual salary $137,610 +37.1% vs national
Median hourly $66.16
10th percentile $82,760
90th percentile $206,110
Employed locally 7,050
National median $100,340

Compare Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other salary & buying power

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

Full tool →
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
in
Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
vs

    In Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, the typical Social Scientist and Related Workers earn a median annual salary of $137,610, which is significantly higher than both their national counterparts, who earn a median of $100,340 annually, and the local area's median household income of $123,896. This disparity highlights that individuals in this occupation generally earn more than what most households make in the region. The higher earnings reflect the specialized skills and expertise required in these roles, as well as the economic benefits associated with working in a metropolitan area known for its concentration of federal agencies, research institutions, and think tanks.

    Entry-level Social Scientists and Related Workers typically start at around $82,760 annually, which represents the 10th percentile of earnings within this field. As professionals gain experience and advance in their careers, their earnings can increase substantially, reaching up to the 75th percentile at approximately $170,230 per year. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers is primarily driven by factors such as education level, years of professional experience, and specialization within social science disciplines. Advanced degrees and a strong track record of research or policy development often lead to higher compensation, reflecting the value placed on expertise in this occupation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $82,760
    25th
    $110,700
    50th (median)
    $137,610
    75th
    $170,230
    90th
    $206,110

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other salary vs area income 111% Median Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other salary is 11% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $66.16, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $93.84 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other salaries?

    The median Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 37.1% above the national median of $100,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other in Washington?

    Entry-level Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other (10th percentile) earn around $82,760 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $110,700.