Looking at the Highs and Lows of DC-Area Compensation

• By: Posted by HR Alliance Staff
• On: 08/26/2025 20:18:08
• In: Compensation
• Comments: 0

For 37 years the HR Alliance Compensation Survey and Trend Report has helped companies in the DC-metro area benchmark their compensation and talent management practices to attract and retain top talent in this highly competitive market. This year's survey included input from 54 companies encompassing 56,000 employees in over 400 jobs. Data was collected from April 2025 through July 2025. 

The full survey report is now available to purchase. Email staff@hralliancedc.org. Here are some key takeaways that the report dives into in greater detail.

High: The survey found that in 2024 turnover remained stable in the DC region, coming in significantly lower than average for the entire U.S. This will be a key benchmark to look at in next year's survey.

Low: Merit budgets and annual total increase decreased in 2024. The average merit budget increase and total pay increase was 3.4% as compared to 3.8% the year prior. 

High: Profit-sharing programs are up across all classifications of employees. 

Low: Small group incentives/project bonuses decreased across all classifications of employees except for management.

High: 56% of organizations reported an increase in investment for talent acquisition, reporting it as the top area of investment for the Human Resources department. This was an increase from 44% last year.

Remote work continues to be widely offered with 42% of companies reporting their employees can work remotely. For employees living in the DC area, just under half apply a geographic differential for position compensation. 

For a detailed report of survey findings, contact staff@hralliancedc.org to secure your copy of the report today. We'll host a webinar on October 22, exclusive to participants and purchasers, to dive into the findings and answer questions about how to apply them to your organization's strategy. 


- Information for this Blog was taken from the Executive Summary of the 2025 Compensation Survey and Trend Report and prepared by our Communications Team.