2026 Salary — District of Columbia
Updated April 29, 2026
Physician Salary in District of Columbia: $287K Median
Physicians in District of Columbia earn between $219K and $500K per year.
That's +25% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physician salary in District of Columbia is $286,625 per year — +25% above the US national median of $229,300. Salaries range from $218,750 (entry, 25th percentile) to $500,000 (90th percentile). District of Columbia's cost-of-living index is 152. State income tax applies.
Median
$286,625
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$250,000
Experienced
$437,500
Top 10%
$500,000
About Physicians in District of Columbia
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care. Specialties range widely in compensation.
Hot 2026 Skills
TelemedicineAI-assisted diagnosisConcierge medicineSpecialty practiceEHR efficiency
ATS Keywords
MDboard certifiedpatient careEHR (Epic)clinical researchspecialtyresidency
Physician Salary in District of Columbia Metros
Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington | $298,090 |
How to Negotiate Your Physician Salary in District of Columbia
Walk-away anchor: $260,568.
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
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physician Salary FAQ — District of Columbia
What is the average Physician salary in District of Columbia?
The average Physician salary in District of Columbia is $286,625 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $218,750 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $500,000 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physician pay in District of Columbia compare to the US average?
Physicians in District of Columbia earn approximately 25% more than the US national median ($229,300 nationally vs $286,625 in District of Columbia). District of Columbia's cost-of-living index of 152 partially offsets the higher salary.
Did Physician salaries in District of Columbia increase in 2026?
Yes — Physician salaries in District of Columbia grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $43,428 in 2025 to $286,625 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telemedicine and AI-assisted diagnosis demand.
Which District of Columbia cities pay Physicians the most?
Top-paying District of Columbia metros for Physicians: Washington ($298K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physicians in District of Columbia?
Physician demand strong with growing US population. Specialties like radiology, anesthesiology, and orthopedics paying $400K+. District of Columbia's top industries include Federal Government, Defense, Lobbying/Consulting, and the state's unemployment rate is 5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does District of Columbia have state income tax?
Yes, District of Columbia has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $286,625, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physicians in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telemedicine, AI-assisted diagnosis, Concierge medicine, Specialty practice, EHR efficiency. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with District of Columbia employers.
How can I increase my Physician salary in District of Columbia?
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? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for District of Columbia: $260,568.
Methodology
District of Columbia Physician salary is the BLS national median ($229,300) adjusted by District of Columbia's state multiplier (1.25×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physician Salary in Other States
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