Careers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Part of District of Columbia.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV’s regional price level is above the national average (index 108.884, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).
Unemployment rate: 4.1% · 3,318,328 people employed (2026-06, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).
Highest-Paying Careers
See full list →- 1Radiologists$443,020
- 2Anesthesiologists$397,210
- 3Dermatologists$329,990
- 4Cardiologists$253,610
- 5Orthodontists$248,110
Largest Occupations
See full list →- 1General and Operations Managers112,530 employed
- 2Business Operations Specialists, All Other76,600 employed
- 3Software Developers69,060 employed
- 4Retail Salespersons66,920 employed
- 5Management Analysts62,360 employed
Highest Concentration
See full list →- 1Political Scientists33.11× national avg
- 2Economists12.74× national avg
- 3Astronomers12.12× national avg
- 4Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other10.35× national avg
- 5Artists and Related Workers, All Other10.06× national avg
Best Purchasing Power
See full list →cost-of-living adjusted
- 1Radiologists$406,873
- 2Anesthesiologists$364,801
- 3Dermatologists$303,066
- 4Cardiologists$232,918
- 5Orthodontists$227,866
Sources
Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score isn’t available at the metro level yet — see District of Columbia state page.