Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Physicists Salary in District of Columbia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in District of Columbia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$157,040
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.4% vs 2024
$156,320
Mean Salary
$157,040
Median Salary
$75.50
Hourly Rate
480 people work as Physicists in District of Columbia

Physicists salary by percentile in District of Columbia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Physicists salary in District of Columbia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in District of Columbia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $86,820$86,82025th25% earn less than $123,090$123,090MedianHalf earn more than $157,040$157,04075th75% earn less than $195,190$195,19090thTop 10% earn more than $202,360$202,360

Physicists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $157,040 per year ($13,086/month). This is 2.1% above the national average of $153,763. District of Columbia ranks #21 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 480 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia. Salaries increased by 2.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Mathematics
4.25
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.92
Mathematics
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.54
Computers and Electronics
4.38
English Language
3.69
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Physicists in District of Columbia

Salaries for Physicists in District of Columbia range from $86,820 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $202,360 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $123,090 and $195,190.

Median $157,040
P10: $86,820 P25: $123,090 P75: $195,190 P90: $202,360
10th
$86,820
25th
$123,090
Median
$157,040
75th
$195,190
90th
$202,360
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $86,820 $41.74 $7,235
25th Percentile $123,090 $59.18 $10,257
Median (50th) $157,040 $75.50 $13,086
75th Percentile $195,190 $93.84 $16,265
90th Percentile (Experienced) $202,360 $97.29 $16,863

Note: The mean (average) salary of $156,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#21
District of Columbia ranks #21 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
+2.1%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Physicists salary in District of Columbia adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Physicists take-home pay in District of Columbia after taxes →

Explore Physicists Data in District of Columbia

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physicists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Physicists in District of Columbia is $157,040 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $156,320.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Physicists in District of Columbia range from $86,820 at the 10th percentile to $202,360 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $123,090 and $195,190.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Physicists positions in District of Columbia typically start around $86,820 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $123,090 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 480 people are employed as Physicists in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in District of Columbia is approximately $75.50 per hour.

💼 Earning $157,040/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn