Content has loaded

Research scientist salary in Washington, DC (Updated 2026)

How much does a Research Scientist make in Washington, DC?

Average base salary

$124,408
13%
below national average
Average $124,408
Low $87,781
High $176,317

The average salary for a research scientist is $124,408 per year in Washington, DC. 10 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 22, 2026).

Research Scientist job openings in Washington, DC

slide 1 of 6
slide1 of 6
Research Scientist - Aging and...
NORC at the University of Chicago3.6out of 5 stars.
Washington, DC
$106,000 - $130,000 a year
Full-time
3 weeks ago

Highest paying companies for Research Scientist in Washington, DC

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Public Company Accounting Over...
 
$262,650per year
View company
Consumer Financial Protection ...
 
$197,233per year
View company
National Committee for Quality...
 
$147,500per year
View company
Systems Planning and Analysis,...
 
$145,000per year
View company
Veracity Engineering
 
$127,864per year
View company
Whitman-Walker Health
 
$120,000per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Research Scientists near Washington, DC

  1. San Jose, CA
    $259,817 per year
  2. San Francisco, CA
    $229,187 per year
  3. Seattle, WA
    $198,084 per year
  4. San Diego, CA
    $147,537 per year
  5. Cambridge, MA
    $126,704 per year

Where can a Research Scientist earn more?

Compare salaries for Research Scientists in different locations
vs

How much do similar professions as Research Scientist get paid in Washington, DC?

Junior Research Scientist

Job openings
Average $87,130 per year

Senior Research Scientist

Job openings
Average $151,579 per year