Certifications & licenses in District of Columbia
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in DC. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about District of Columbia
Licensing landscape in District of Columbia
As of June 2024, all new nursing licenses expire on the licensee's birth month, replacing the previous fixed renewal date system.
DC Board of Nursing
DC offers license reciprocity for journeyman and master electricians from Maryland and Virginia who were licensed by examination as of 2023.
Board of Industrial Trades
Master Esthetician license applicants can have the exam requirement waived with a current certification from the National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA).
Board of Barber and Cosmetology
In 2023, the District of Columbia ranked #1 in the U.S. for its 94.4% NREMT certification pass rate for EMT students.
DC Department of Health
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in District of Columbia
A $60,000 salary in DC has the approximate purchasing power of a $43,228 salary in an average-cost U.S. state.
Regional comparison: District of Columbia vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs DC |
|---|---|---|
| DC | $47,700 | — |
| MD | $43,240 | -9% vs DC |
| VA | $43,200 | -9% vs DC |
| State | Required training hours | vs DC |
|---|---|---|
| DC | 500 hours | — |
| MD | 750 hours | +250 hours |
| VA | 500 hours | no difference (bill to increase to 625 hours introduced in Jan 2025) |
Sources (1)
Healthcare in District of Columbia
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $47,700 |
| Dental Assistant | Required | $60,580 |
| EMT | Required | $46,650 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $75,740 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $51,050 |
| Medical Coder | No | $72,040 |
| Paramedic | Required | $78,550 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $47,410 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $51,980 |
| Radiology Technologist | No | $102,770 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $102,540 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $111,950 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $77,520 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $137,220 |
Skilled Trades in District of Columbia
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $64,170 |
| Electrician | Required | $78,970 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $84,390 |
| Plumber | Required | $101,020 |
| Welder | Required | $60,180 |
Personal Care & Wellness in District of Columbia
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $39,210 |
| Barber | Required | — |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $54,570 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $64,110 |
Professional & Business in District of Columbia
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $111,530 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $89,750 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $84,530 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $123,770 |