2026 Salary Data ยท Washington DC, DC

Director of Product Salary in Washington DC

How much does a Director of Product make in Washington DC? Salary data, top employers, and career insights for Directors of Product in the DC-Virginia-Maryland area.

$389K
Median Total Comp
+5%
vs National Avg
high
Cost of Living
1,200+
Product Roles

How Much Does a Director of Product Make in Washington DC?

Directors of Product in Washington DC earn a median of $389K in total compensation, 5% above the national average. The cost of living is above average, but Washington DC's strength in Cybersecurity creates steady demand for experienced product talent. Salaries range from $299K (25th percentile) to $499K (75th percentile).

Washington DC's cost-of-living index is 150 (vs 100 national average), meaning everyday expenses are 50% above average. A $389K salary here has the purchasing power of roughly $259K in an average-cost city. Housing is the largest factor: median rent for a one-bedroom is significantly above the national average.

$257K$588K
P25-P75 Median

AI Specialization Premium in Washington DC

Standard Director
$389K
$299K - $499K
AI-Specialized Director
$475K
$365K - $609K

Directors of Product with AI/ML experience earn a 22% premium in Washington DC. While Washington DC's AI ecosystem is still growing, companies here pay the premium to attract AI-experienced PMs.

Director of Product Salary by Company Type in Washington DC

FAANG / Big Tech
$506K
+30%
Pre-IPO Unicorn
$447K
+15%
Growth Startup (B/C)
$389K
Baseline
Enterprise / Fortune 500
$408K
+5%
Early Startup (Seed/A)
$331K
-15%
Agency / Consulting
$311K
-20%

Top Employers for Directors of Product in Washington DC

Amazon (HQ2)MicrosoftPalantirCapital OneAppianLeidosBooz Allen

The DC metro area has a unique tech ecosystem driven by government contracts, cybersecurity, and defense tech. Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington has significantly expanded private sector PM opportunities. Clearance-required roles pay a premium.

CybersecurityB2B SaaS (General)Fintech

Other Product Roles in Washington DC

Director of Product Salary in Other Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Director of Product make in Washington DC?+
The median total compensation for a Director of Product in Washington DC is $389K, with the 25th to 75th percentile range spanning $299K to $499K. This is 5% above the national average of $370K.
What companies hire Directors of Product in Washington DC?+
Top employers for Directors of Product in Washington DC include Amazon (HQ2), Microsoft, Palantir, Capital One, Appian. The DC metro area has a unique tech ecosystem driven by government contracts, cybersecurity, and defense tech.
Is Washington DC a good city for Directors of Product?+
Washington DC has a strong product job market with approximately 1,200+ open product roles. The cost of living is high. Strong industries include Cybersecurity, B2B SaaS (General), Fintech.
How does Director of Product salary in Washington DC compare to other cities?+
Washington DC pays 5% above the national average for Directors of Product. For comparison, San Francisco pays +20%, New York pays +12%, and Austin is the baseline. Similar markets include New York City, Boston, Raleigh, Baltimore.
Do Directors of Product in Washington DC earn more with AI experience?+
Yes. The AI specialization premium for Directors of Product in Washington DC is 22%, bringing the median from $389K to $475K. While Washington DC's AI ecosystem is still developing, companies here still pay the premium for AI-experienced PMs.