Project Manager salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$127,030/year
about $61.07 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $95,150 – $163,550
Half of project managers in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $127,030 a year and half earn less. That's 24% higher than the national median of $102,320, and ranks #4 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $74,110 | $35.63 |
| 25th | $95,150 | $45.75 |
| Median (50th) | $127,030 | $61.07 |
| 75th | $163,550 | $78.63 |
| 90th (top earners) | $192,450 | $92.52 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a project manager job in the Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $95,150 ($45.75/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $95,150 to $163,550 ($45.75 to $78.63/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $163,550 ($78.63/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A PMP certification is often listed as preferred and can support a higher offer.
- Titles vary a lot: some "project manager" roles are really coordinator roles, so match the duties to the pay.
- Ask how many projects you'd run at once and whether you manage budgets.
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: Project Management Specialists (SOC 13-1082). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.