Physicists Salary in District of Columbia
Physicists in District of Columbia earn a median of $157,040 a year, −9% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $157,040
- vs. U.S. median
- −9% ($172,250)
- Rank among states
- 21 of 43
- Jobs in the state
- 480
Pay range in District of Columbia
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $86,820; the top 10% earn over $202,360. Nationally the range is $82,110 to $274,110.
States ranked near District of Columbia
Similar jobs in District of Columbia
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$144,190 median in District of Columbia
- Bioinformatics Scientists$84,590 median in District of Columbia (broader BLS group)
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$120,090 median in District of Columbia
- Materials Scientists$137,600 median in District of Columbia
- Nanosystems Engineers$151,920 median in District of Columbia (broader BLS group)
Physicists pay in District of Columbia
How much do physicists make in District of Columbia?
The median is $157,040 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $86,820 and the top 10% earn over $202,360. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is District of Columbia a good state for physicists?
On pay alone it ranks 21 of 43 (−9% vs. the national median of $172,250). Living costs are not included.