What is considered average salary for a mid 20s young professional in the DC area? (Quantico: houses, neighborhoods)

[gowussgo7035]

Or in other words what is considered a "good salary"??

[rmm0484]

It depends on where you live, for whom you work, and your education and experience.

As an example, if you work as a contractor employee outside of Quantico Marine Corps Base, and you have only a high school education but plenty of experience, you will make less than if you were employed as a contractor at the Pentagon (maybe 80K). An experienced contractor can make upwards of 120K a year, BUT benefits are very lousy (little time off, etc).

If you are a bright young thing without much experience but have a degree, I am guessing that 60K is a starting salary, 80K may be great.

There are others who have asked this question before, check the "similar threads" section if you can find it.....

[NOVA_guy]

It really does vary but if you're talking working in an office and you have some sort of degree I'd say between $55,000-$85,000 but there's so many different jobs in this area it really depends on your field, education, experience, etc.

[slaminjamin87]

I started at 65k at my first permanent position as a tech writer at age 24. Now, I'm at 70k four years later. Depending on your field, college degree, and your work experience, you could make around 60k to 85k as your starting salary.

[Back to NE]

But consider all the 20 somethings who work in retail, for a non-profit, entry-level(ish) positions, or just in fields that don't traditionally pay much... they'll be making more like $30-$50.

They'd be foolish to get their own places in good neighborhoods but smart and happy if they get in group houses or shared situations.

But I never like to hear people focus on income when expenses are every bit as important. I've known too many professionals in this area making the same salary but having completely different standards of living based on consumption, decisions and discipline. Some live paycheck to paycheck, others saving nicely.

[LuvVA]

what is your background/education and type of job you are looking for?

[jillybean720]

It sooooo depends on your field, experience, etc. I moved to NOVA in 2004 for a job paying about $31,500. I was 22. I changed jobs a few times, found my niche, and was earning six figures at age 28 (no additional education or certifications in that time, just hard work and experience).

[So Many Questions]

40% of American's make less than $15 an hour ($31,200.00 a year.)

http://www.thenation.com/article/alm...an-15-an-hour/

[ChristineVA]

My daughter just started work with a defense contractor. Liberal arts degree, no real experience. Entry level job (but more than answering phones). She's starting at $47,500 with either paid parking or transit reimbursement. She had another offer for $39K with no transit.

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by So Many Questions

40% of American's make less than $15 an hour ($31,200.00 a year.)

Almost Half of All American Workers Make Less Than $15 an Hour | The Nation

"Young professional" means someone with at least a bachelor's (which less than 1/3 of americans have), in DC, i.e. one the highest cost of living areas in the country. Dumb comparison.

With a couple years of work experience I'd want to be in the 70s in the DC area unless you like living in a rowhome with five other DC yuppies.