Physician Salary in Washington: $298K Median
Physicians in Washington, DC earn between $228K and $520K per year.
That's +30% above the US national median of $229,300 for this role.
As of April 2026, the median Physician salary in Washington, DC is $298,090 per year — +30% above the US national median of $229,300. Salaries range from $227,500 (entry, 25th percentile) to $520,000 (90th percentile). Physicians in Washington earned approximately $45,165 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.
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About Physicians in Washington
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care. Specialties range widely in compensation.
Core Responsibilities
- Patient diagnosis and treatment
- Order tests and prescriptions
- Document patient records
- Coordinate care
- Lead medical teams
Education & Certifications
Typical path: MD/DO + residency (3-7 years)
In-demand certifications
Washington Job Market
US capital with massive federal government, defense, and consulting sector.
Top Industries in Washington
Top Employers Hiring Physicians
Major employers active in Washington or hiring remotely from this metro.
All major employers use ATS software.
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2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords
Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.
Hottest 2026 Skills
These appear in the highest-paying Physician listings.
ATS Resume Keywords
Include these naturally throughout your resume.
Physician demand strong with growing US population. Specialties like radiology, anesthesiology, and orthopedics paying $400K+.
Physician Salary Breakdown — Washington
| Period | Entry (25th) | Median (50th) | Top (90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $227,500 | $298,090 | $520,000 |
| Monthly | $18,958 | $24,841 | $43,333 |
| Weekly | $4,375 | $5,733 | $10,000 |
| Hourly | $109 | $143 | $250 |
Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($229,300) adjusted for Washington's cost-of-living multiplier (1.30×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).
Physician Take-Home Pay in Washington
After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.
Tax Breakdown on $298,090
Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.
Physician Salary by Experience — Washington
Career-stage progression for Physicians in Washington.
| Experience | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 0–1 yr | $239,200 |
| 2–3 yr | $260,000 |
| 4–6 yr | $357,500 |
| 7–10 yr | $455,000 |
| 11–15 yr | $536,900 |
| 15+ yr | $487,500 |
Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for Washington's 1.30× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.
+560.0% vs 2025
Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telemedicine and AI-assisted diagnosis.
Excellent
Adjusted for local cost of living, this salary delivers top-tier real purchasing power - well above what the same nominal pay would buy in most US metros. Strong savings, home-buying, and discretionary spending are all realistic.
How to Negotiate Your Physician Salary in Washington
Walk-away anchor: $270,991 (offers below this are below market for Washington).
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate
What To Say
"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"
Anchor on $455K–$520K for experienced roles, citing Washington market data and your specific Telemedicine/AI-assisted diagnosis expertise.
Physician Salary FAQ — Washington
What is the average Physician salary in Washington, DC?
Is $298,090 a good Physician salary in Washington?
Can you live on $298,090 in Washington?
Is $298,090 enough for a single person in Washington?
Is $298,090 enough for a couple in Washington?
Is $298,090 enough for a family of 4 in Washington?
What is the take-home pay for a Physician in Washington?
How much do Physicians in Washington earn compared to the US average?
What does an entry-level Physician earn in Washington?
Did Physician salaries in Washington increase in 2026?
What's the job outlook for Physicians in Washington?
What skills are most in demand for Physicians in 2026?
Who are the top employers hiring Physicians in Washington?
How do I negotiate a higher Physician salary in Washington?
How can I increase my Physician salary in Washington?
What education do I need to become a Physician in Washington?
Methodology & Sources
Physician salary figures for Washington are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($229,300) by Washington's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.30× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.
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