Known as the center of world politics and for its diverse population, the District of Columbia offers unique remote work opportunities and a plethora of entertainment options. Use these District of Columbia Remote Work Resources to discover what life might be like working and living in the nation’s capital.
About the District of Columbia
Also known as Washington, D.C., the District of Columbia is a federally governed area that became the U.S. capital in 1790. Prior to the Residence Act—which moved the national capital to the District of Columbia—the United States had eight other capitals, including Philadelphia and New York City. With such a major role in world politics, history, and culture, the area is one of the most-visited places in the country, welcoming over 20 million visitors each year. Combined with its grandiose government buildings, neoclassical architecture, and unique neighborhoods, the District of Columbia is a top destination for ambitious workers, including telecommuters.
The District of Columbia is a place of cultural significance. A stroll through the National Mall takes visitors by iconic structures such as the Washington Monument, the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Lincoln Memorial, as well as the Vietnam Memorial. In addition, the city has a lauded museum scene with places such as the National Museum of African Art, National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of the American Indian Plus, the area is a haven for sports fans, with storied franchises such as the Washington Capitals and the Washington Nationals—both of which have won championships within the past few years.
“A community of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.” – John F. Kennedy
Five Fast Facts About Working in the District of Columbia
- The District of Columbia had the highest number of remote workers in the country, comprising 6.1% of the total workforce.
- At 8.8%, the unemployment rate in the District of Columbia was far lower than the national average of 11.1%. (June 2020)
- Aside from the government, the largest industries in the District of Columbia are professional services, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, and education.
- According to statistics, housing in Washington, D.C. is fourth-most expensive in the nation, with an average monthly rent of $2,700 for a one-bedroom apartment. However, many jobs may offset this cost with higher wages.
- Beginning on July 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Washington, D.C. is $15 per hour.
Current Remote Jobs Available in Washington D.C.
District of Columbia Mean Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the District of Columbia has some of the highest mean wages in the country, totaling $70,980 annually or $34.12 per hour. This is nearly 50% more than the U.S. mean wage, which sits at $53,490 per year, or $25.72 per hour.
Remote Work Incentives in the District of Columbia
Despite having the highest incidence of remote workers in the country, the District of Columbia has no formal incentives for remote work. However, the district offers plenty of tax incentives for small business owners and entrepreneurs, including partial federal funding of The Hive 2.0—one of D.C.’s most heralded coworking spaces.
Remote-Enabled Companies with Hubs in the District of Columbia
With a progressive perspective on remote work, thousands of companies with operations in the District of Columbia are consistently hiring for remote work positions. So no matter what your expertise, experience, or background
American National Red Cross
Founded in 1881, the American National Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that eases the burden of families and communities during natural and manmade disasters. Each year, the organization provides disaster relief for 64,000 families and companies, primarily responding to natural catastrophes and fires.
Capital One Financial Corporation
Ranked 98th on the Fortune 500, Capital One Financial Corporation is a leading financial services provider. The company offers credit cards, mortgages, savings and checking accounts, and other financial instruments to over 65 million customers nationwide.
Danaher Corporation
Danaher Corporation is a Fortune 500-listed conglomerate with a diversified array of holdings. Although the organization primarily produces medical supplies, it also manufactures professional, industrial, and commercial products.
General Dynamics Corporation
As one of the world’s largest defense contractors, General Dynamics Corporation manufactures naval and aerospace equipment for the U.S. military. Ranked 99th on the Fortune 500, the company has over 100,000 employees and produces revenues of $36 billion annually.
Leidos
Based out of the District of Columbia suburb of Reston, Virginia, Leidos is another major U.S. defense contractor. Producing engineering, technical, scientific, and integration systems for military equipment, the company works with organizations such as the Department of Defense, the National Security Administration, and Homeland Security.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a leading global producer of military equipment, specializing in fighter jets. Each year, the company supplies the U.S. military with hundreds of fighter jets, as well as selling up to three dozen to foreign governments. Most recently, the company ranked 59th on the Fortune 500 with revenues topping $53.7 billion per year.
Vox Media, Inc.
Headquartered in the District of Columbia, Vox Media, Inc. is a leading producer of digital media and lifestyle websites. Its portfolio includes SB Nation, Eater, Polygon, Vox, and The Verge, covering everything from sports to gaming to dining.
WalletHub
With mentions in over 1,000 media outlets such as Bloomberg, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, WalletHub is one of the most trusted names in personal finance and financial literacy. By providing advice on credit cards, mortgages, savings accounts, credit reports, and investments, the company provides useful information to consumers looking to build wealth or retire early.
District of Columbia Coworking Centers for Remote Work
The District of Columbia is a progressive business community. As a result, coworking centers are seemingly around every corner. Designed with productivity in mind, coworking centers, or coworking spaces, provide desk space, coffee, a kitchen, and other amenities to enable the remote worker or small business owner to complete tasks on time or ahead of schedule. In addition to these amenities, most coworking facilities also offer networking events, seminars, and even classes that enable its clientele to excel in the world of remote work. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the top coworking centers in the District of Columbia.
- Industrious (Thomas Circle)
- Spaces (NoMa)
- Carr Workplaces (Multiple Locations)
- Hera Hub (Women Only/Friendship Heights)
- The Hive 2.0 (Anacostia Arts Center)
- District Offices (Multiple Locations)
- Mindspace (Howard University)
- WeWork (Multiple Locations)
- The Yard (Eastern Market)
You’ll find even more District of Columbia remote work resources and stats in our infographic below! You may also view the District of Columbia Remote Work Resources Infographic as a PDF, which will allow you to access the URLs hyperlinked throughout the image as well as the links attached to the Virtual Vocations logo and social media icons.
DOWNLOAD THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA REMOTE WORK RESOURCES INFOGRAPHIC PDF
How Virtual Vocations Can Assist in Your District of Columbia Remote Job Search
As one of the centers of the remote work revolution, the District of Columbia is rife with opportunities for telecommuters. Whether you want to improve your work-life balance or spend more time with family, a Virtual Vocations membership can propel you to your first or next telecommuting position. With a remote job board, career services, a Telecommute Toolkit, and career coaching, you can turn your aspirations of a virtual job into reality. Sign up today to see how Virtual Vocations can help you on your quest!
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