Most common jobs in Washington, D.C.
Written by:
January 11, 2021
Pixabay
Most common jobs in Washington, D.C.
The 10 largest occupations in America employ 30.5 million workers, representing 21% of all workers. Keeping America’s economy moving would be impossible without office workers, package handlers, food prep workers, and truck drivers. And what would the sick do without the millions of hospital workers, nurses, and home health aides?
Stacker compiled a list of the most common jobs in Washington, D.C. using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by total employment as of May 2019. While much has changed during the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs featured here give a holistic view at the most popular industries in your area and how many jobs are supported.
Keep reading to see which jobs in Washington, D.C. are the most common.
1 / 50
Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
#50. Carpenters
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 14,720
- Employment per 1,000: 4.629 (7% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $49,730
National
- Employment: 734,170 (#35 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $52,850
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 14,720
- Employment per 1,000: 4.629 (7% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $49,730
National
- Employment: 734,170 (#35 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $52,850
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
2 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#49. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 14,870
- Employment per 1,000: 4.677 (10% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $76,680
National
- Employment: 626,180 (#53 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 14,870
- Employment per 1,000: 4.677 (10% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $76,680
National
- Employment: 626,180 (#53 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
3 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#48. Information security analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 15,470
- Employment per 1,000: 4.865 (469% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $117,810
National
- Employment: 125,570 (#206 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 15,470
- Employment per 1,000: 4.865 (469% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $117,810
National
- Employment: 125,570 (#206 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
4 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#47. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 15,680
- Employment per 1,000: 4.933 (34% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $72,950
National
- Employment: 542,690 (#60 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $62,920
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 15,680
- Employment per 1,000: 4.933 (34% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $72,950
National
- Employment: 542,690 (#60 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $62,920
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
5 / 50
Lopolo // Shutterstock
#46. Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,010
- Employment per 1,000: 5.037 (19% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $83,220
National
- Employment: 622,330 (#54 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 16,010
- Employment per 1,000: 5.037 (19% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $83,220
National
- Employment: 622,330 (#54 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
6 / 50
Pixabay
#45. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,020
- Employment per 1,000: 5.039 (60% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $48,720
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 16,020
- Employment per 1,000: 5.039 (60% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $48,720
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
7 / 50
Canva
#44. Food preparation workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,040
- Employment per 1,000: 5.045 (14% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,920
National
- Employment: 863,740 (#34 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $25,820
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 16,040
- Employment per 1,000: 5.045 (14% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,920
National
- Employment: 863,740 (#34 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $25,820
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
8 / 50
pio3 // Shutterstock
#43. Police and sheriff's patrol officers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,150
- Employment per 1,000: 5.08 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $74,220
National
- Employment: 665,280 (#43 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Employment: 16,150
- Employment per 1,000: 5.08 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $74,220
National
- Employment: 665,280 (#43 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Entry level education requirements: nan
9 / 50
JOHANNES EISELE // Getty Images
#42. Passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,400
- Employment per 1,000: 5.159 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $39,790
National
- Employment: 700,030 (#39 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 16,400
- Employment per 1,000: 5.159 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $39,790
National
- Employment: 700,030 (#39 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
10 / 50
Pixabay
#41. Construction laborers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,640
- Employment per 1,000: 5.234 (25% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,110
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 16,640
- Employment per 1,000: 5.234 (25% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,110
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
11 / 50
Canva
#40. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 16,880
- Employment per 1,000: 5.309 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,810
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 16,880
- Employment per 1,000: 5.309 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,810
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
12 / 50
Education Images // Getty Images
#39. Substitute teachers, short-term
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 18,540
- Employment per 1,000: 5.831 (46% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,820
National
- Employment: 587,120 (#57 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 18,540
- Employment per 1,000: 5.831 (46% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,820
National
- Employment: 587,120 (#57 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
13 / 50
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#38. Computer user support specialists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 18,970
- Employment per 1,000: 5.966 (35% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $65,320
National
- Employment: 647,330 (#47 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $56,550
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 18,970
- Employment per 1,000: 5.966 (35% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $65,320
National
- Employment: 647,330 (#47 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $56,550
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
14 / 50
B Brown // Shutterstock
#37. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 19,040
- Employment per 1,000: 5.988 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $80,760
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 19,040
- Employment per 1,000: 5.988 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $80,760
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
15 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Computer and information systems managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 19,080
- Employment per 1,000: 6.002 (103% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $174,600
National
- Employment: 433,960 (#71 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 19,080
- Employment per 1,000: 6.002 (103% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $174,600
National
- Employment: 433,960 (#71 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
16 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#35. Network and computer systems administrators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 19,890
- Employment per 1,000: 6.257 (159% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $101,510
National
- Employment: 354,450 (#91 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $88,410
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 19,890
- Employment per 1,000: 6.257 (159% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $101,510
National
- Employment: 354,450 (#91 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $88,410
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
17 / 50
OLIVIER DOULIERY // Getty Images
#34. First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 19,950
- Employment per 1,000: 6.274 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,170
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 19,950
- Employment per 1,000: 6.274 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,170
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
18 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#33. Maids and housekeeping cleaners
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 20,070
- Employment per 1,000: 6.313 (0% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,900
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 20,070
- Employment per 1,000: 6.313 (0% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,900
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
19 / 50
Canva
#32. Financial managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 21,290
- Employment per 1,000: 6.697 (50% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $174,180
National
- Employment: 654,790 (#46 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 21,290
- Employment per 1,000: 6.697 (50% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $174,180
National
- Employment: 654,790 (#46 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
20 / 50
Rob Kim // Getty Images
#31. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 22,760
- Employment per 1,000: 7.158 (10% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $51,220
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 22,760
- Employment per 1,000: 7.158 (10% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $51,220
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
21 / 50
Pixabay
#30. Maintenance and repair workers, general
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 22,860
- Employment per 1,000: 7.192 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $49,240
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 22,860
- Employment per 1,000: 7.192 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $49,240
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
22 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#29. Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 23,030
- Employment per 1,000: 7.245 (57% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $80,690
National
- Employment: 678,500 (#42 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 23,030
- Employment per 1,000: 7.245 (57% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $80,690
National
- Employment: 678,500 (#42 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
23 / 50
Rido // Shutterstock
#28. Human resources specialists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 23,730
- Employment per 1,000: 7.464 (73% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $87,670
National
- Employment: 633,040 (#50 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 23,730
- Employment per 1,000: 7.464 (73% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $87,670
National
- Employment: 633,040 (#50 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
24 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#27. Public relations specialists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 24,160
- Employment per 1,000: 7.599 (356% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $103,820
National
- Employment: 244,730 (#124 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 24,160
- Employment per 1,000: 7.599 (356% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $103,820
National
- Employment: 244,730 (#124 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
25 / 50
New Africa // Shutterstock
#26. Receptionists and information clerks
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 24,640
- Employment per 1,000: 7.751 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,530
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 24,640
- Employment per 1,000: 7.751 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,530
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
26 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#25. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 24,780
- Employment per 1,000: 7.794 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $50,590
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 24,780
- Employment per 1,000: 7.794 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $50,590
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
27 / 50
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#24. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 25,590
- Employment per 1,000: 8.05 (12% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,970
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 25,590
- Employment per 1,000: 8.05 (12% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,970
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
28 / 50
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#23. Nursing assistants
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 26,310
- Employment per 1,000: 8.276 (14% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $32,400
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 26,310
- Employment per 1,000: 8.276 (14% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $32,400
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
29 / 50
Pixabay
#22. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 26,720
- Employment per 1,000: 8.405 (58% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,650
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 26,720
- Employment per 1,000: 8.405 (58% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,650
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
30 / 50
Canva
#21. Computer systems analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 27,210
- Employment per 1,000: 8.557 (113% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $108,800
National
- Employment: 589,060 (#56 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 27,210
- Employment per 1,000: 8.557 (113% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $108,800
National
- Employment: 589,060 (#56 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
31 / 50
Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Cooks, restaurant
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 27,510
- Employment per 1,000: 8.651 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,230
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 27,510
- Employment per 1,000: 8.651 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,230
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
32 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#18 (tie). First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 30,560
- Employment per 1,000: 9.614 (5% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $69,740
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 30,560
- Employment per 1,000: 9.614 (5% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $69,740
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
33 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#18 (tie). Elementary school teachers, except special education
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 30,560
- Employment per 1,000: 9.613 (1% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $81,420
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 30,560
- Employment per 1,000: 9.613 (1% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $81,420
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
34 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#17. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 32,240
- Employment per 1,000: 10.139 (43% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,950
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 32,240
- Employment per 1,000: 10.139 (43% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,950
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
35 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#16. Stockers and order fillers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 34,960
- Employment per 1,000: 10.996 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,750
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 34,960
- Employment per 1,000: 10.996 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,750
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
36 / 50
Sean Rayford // Getty Images
#15. Security guards
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 37,910
- Employment per 1,000: 11.924 (55% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,380
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 37,910
- Employment per 1,000: 11.924 (55% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,380
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
37 / 50
ImageFlow // Shutterstock
#14. Accountants and auditors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 41,370
- Employment per 1,000: 13.013 (49% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $95,570
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 41,370
- Employment per 1,000: 13.013 (49% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $95,570
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
38 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#13. Registered nurses
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 43,450
- Employment per 1,000: 13.668 (33% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $83,370
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 43,450
- Employment per 1,000: 13.668 (33% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $83,370
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
39 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Lawyers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 44,090
- Employment per 1,000: 13.866 (210% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $179,590
National
- Employment: 657,170 (#44 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Employment: 44,090
- Employment per 1,000: 13.866 (210% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $179,590
National
- Employment: 657,170 (#44 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
40 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#11. Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 44,970
- Employment per 1,000: 14.144 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,910
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 44,970
- Employment per 1,000: 14.144 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,910
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
41 / 50
ESB Basic // Shutterstock
#10. Customer service representatives
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 48,660
- Employment per 1,000: 15.306 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $42,510
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 48,660
- Employment per 1,000: 15.306 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $42,510
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
42 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#9. Waiters and waitresses
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 51,360
- Employment per 1,000: 16.154 (8% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,870
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 51,360
- Employment per 1,000: 16.154 (8% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,870
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
43 / 50
Ruslan Galiullin // Shutterstock
#8. Office clerks, general
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 51,390
- Employment per 1,000: 16.163 (20% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,410
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 51,390
- Employment per 1,000: 16.163 (20% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,410
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
44 / 50
Unsplash
#7. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 52,540
- Employment per 1,000: 16.524 (13% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,840
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 52,540
- Employment per 1,000: 16.524 (13% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,840
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
45 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#6. Management analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 59,040
- Employment per 1,000: 18.569 (284% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $109,000
National
- Employment: 709,750 (#37 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 59,040
- Employment per 1,000: 18.569 (284% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $109,000
National
- Employment: 709,750 (#37 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
46 / 50
Pxhere
#5. Fast food and counter workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 65,310
- Employment per 1,000: 20.543 (25% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,760
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 65,310
- Employment per 1,000: 20.543 (25% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,760
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
47 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#4. Retail salespersons
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 68,870
- Employment per 1,000: 21.663 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,480
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 68,870
- Employment per 1,000: 21.663 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,480
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
48 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#3. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 70,780
- Employment per 1,000: 22.262 (132% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $118,110
National
- Employment: 1,406,870 (#19 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 70,780
- Employment per 1,000: 22.262 (132% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $118,110
National
- Employment: 1,406,870 (#19 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
49 / 50
Pixabay
#2. General and operations managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 73,850
- Employment per 1,000: 23.227 (42% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $152,300
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 73,850
- Employment per 1,000: 23.227 (42% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $152,300
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
50 / 50
Dean Drobot // Shutterstock
#1. Cashiers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Employment: 81,100
- Employment per 1,000: 25.509 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,230
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 81,100
- Employment per 1,000: 25.509 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,230
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
