Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist Salary in Washington, DC
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn a median $87,160 a year — 11% more than the national median. After 2026 taxes, that is $65,707 take-home, or $5,476 a month.
Take-home pay calculator
Pre-filled with the median market research analyst and marketing specialist salary in Washington, DC. Enter your own offer to see your paycheck.
- Federal income tax$10,345
- Social Security (6.2%)$5,404
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,264
- District of Columbia income tax$4,440
- Take-home pay$65,707
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 8.50% state
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro spans District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia. Pick the state you live in — state income tax follows your residence.
Got an offer somewhere else? Compare it with this one after taxes and rent →
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist pay by experience in Washington, DC
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home / yr | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,500 | $24.28 | $40,893 | $3,408 |
| 25th percentile | $65,730 | $31.60 | $52,168 | $4,347 |
| Median (50th) | $87,160 | $41.90 | $65,707 | $5,476 |
| 75th percentile | $123,760 | $59.50 | $88,305 | $7,359 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $162,020 | $77.89 | $111,203 | $9,267 |
Wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Take-home: single filer, District of Columbia resident, 2026 tax rules.
What $87,160 buys in Washington, DC
Prices in Washington, DC are 8.9% higher than the U.S. average (housing costs are 1.51× the national average). Adjusted for local prices, a median market research analyst and marketing specialist's $65,707 take-home pay has the buying power of $60,346 in a typical American city.
Rents: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 (40th-percentile gross rent incl. utilities). Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist jobs are about as common in Washington, DC as in the U.S. overall (location quotient 1.16).
Best-paying cities for market research analysts and marketing specialists, adjusted for cost of living
Washington, DC ranks #31 of 56 metro areas once taxes and local prices are taken into account.
| # | Metro area | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose, CA | $141,960 | $97,477 | $88,276 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $123,250 | $86,672 | $74,968 |
| 3 | Durham, NC | $93,110 | $71,127 | $72,896 |
| 4 | Seattle, WA | $102,170 | $80,707 | $72,622 |
| 5 | Denver, CO | $99,040 | $74,855 | $70,764 |
| 6 | Fayetteville, AR | $83,000 | $64,196 | $70,273 |
| 7 | Boulder, CO | $97,600 | $73,906 | $70,251 |
| 8 | Boston, MA | $102,390 | $75,962 | $70,162 |
| 31 | Washington, DC | $87,160 | $65,707 | $60,346 |
*Take-home pay divided by the BEA price level, so every city is measured in U.S.-average dollars. See all 56 metros →
About the job: market research analysts and marketing specialists
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +7.0% (faster than average)
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a market research analyst and marketing specialist make in Washington, DC?
The median market research analyst and marketing specialist salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $87,160 a year, or about $41.90 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The middle half earn between $65,730 and $123,760.
What is a market research analyst and marketing specialist’s take-home pay in Washington, DC?
On the median $87,160 salary, a single filer living in District of Columbia takes home about $65,707 a year ($5,476 a month) after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare and $4,440 in District of Columbia taxes in 2026.
Is Washington, DC a good place to work as a market research analyst and marketing specialist?
Pay here is 11% above the national median of $78,760. Local prices are 8.9% above the U.S. average, so the take-home pay buys what $60,346 would in a typical U.S. city. Washington, DC ranks #31 of 56 metro areas for cost-of-living-adjusted pay in this job.
Can a market research analyst and marketing specialist afford rent in Washington, DC?
HUD’s fair market rent for a one-bedroom in Washington, DC is $1,990 a month ($2,223 for two bedrooms) — 36% of a median market research analyst and marketing specialist’s monthly take-home pay. Financial planners usually suggest keeping rent under about 30%.
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