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Professor Salary in Washington, DC — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Washington's cost of living (index: 154). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Washington — Key Numbers

$129,945
Median Salary
$88,704
25th Percentile
$188,588
75th Percentile
$260,137
90th Percentile
National median (Professor)$84,380
vs. National median+54.0%
Washington median household income$98,700
vs. City household income+31.7%

Cost of Living in Washington

Cost of Living Index
154(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,195/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.3%
Annual rent cost$26,340
Median Home Price$575,000
Home Price / Salary4.4×
20% Down Payment$115,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Washington

4.0%
Unemployment Rate
6,510,000
Metro Population
34 min
Avg Commute
34.7
Median Age

Washington has a metro population of 6,510,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Washington

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Take-Home Pay Calculator
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Salary to Hourly
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Cost of Living — Washington
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Rent vs. Buy in Washington
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Budget Planner
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Professor Salary in District of Columbia
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Washington

Physician$353,122Chief Executive Officer$323,400Dentist$270,285IT Manager$261,045Marketing Manager$242,735Lawyer$224,470

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Washington, DC?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Washington is $129,945 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Washington's cost of living index (154). The typical salary range runs from $88,704 (25th percentile) to $188,588 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $260,137.

Is Washington affordable for a Professor?

On a $129,945 annual salary, a Professor in Washington would spend approximately 20.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,195/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Washington relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $575,000 is 4.4× the annual salary.

How does a Professor's salary compare to Washington's overall income?

Washington's median household income is $98,700. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $129,945 earns 31.7% more than the typical Washington household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — NationalProfessor in District of ColumbiaAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.