Marketing Specialist salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$87,160/year
about $41.90 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $65,730 – $123,760
Half of marketing specialists in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $87,160 a year and half earn less. That's 11% higher than the national median of $78,760, and ranks #8 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,500 | $24.28 |
| 25th | $65,730 | $31.60 |
| Median (50th) | $87,160 | $41.90 |
| 75th | $123,760 | $59.50 |
| 90th (top earners) | $162,020 | $77.89 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a marketing specialist job in the Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $65,730 ($31.60/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $65,730 to $123,760 ($31.60 to $59.50/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $123,760 ($59.50/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- This BLS category also includes market research analysts, so the range is wide. Compare with the lower half for coordinator-style roles.
- Watch for "marketing" roles that are really commission-only sales.
- A role covering social media, design, ads and content alone is several jobs in one. Price your ask accordingly.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (SOC 13-1161). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.