OVERVIEW
Educated & Energized, DC’s Talent Pool Runs Deep
In Washington, DC, we have the people, ingenuity and platform to make global impacts. With 56% of DC professionals holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the city is home to some of the most talented and educated people in the country – far outpacing the U.S. average. With a median age of 35, DC’s workforce frequently tops the rankings for entrepreneurial and tech talent, women in technology, and experienced local executives.
A robust hub, DC attracts top global talent culminating in a skilled and diverse workforce. Many of the city’s emerging leaders are educated from within, creating a local pipeline from a strong public charter school system and access to 20-plus college and universities; the city has the third highest concentration of educational institutions in the country.
As DC’s emerging industries continue to expand, from a vibrant technology and STEM sector, to makers and creatives, the city is concentrating more resources to develop its workforce pipeline. Employers in the District have access to a fast-growing talent pool to draw from – all in a place where the workforce is passionate, intelligent and inclusive.
ON THIS PAGE:
Click a quick navigation button to jump to a section below
Data, Maps, Infographics
Learn more
Unparalleled Talent
Washington, DC has the highest proportion of college graduates of any metropolitan area and the highest educated adult population in the country (56% of professionals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and 29% hold a master’s degree or higher).
Livability is a driving factor behind the influx of millennials into the DC workforce. Residents benefit from easy access to public transportation, education, a revitalized urban core and a plethora of social and networking opportunities.
Workforce initiatives are helping address growing demand for workers and professionals across industries. The DC Infrastructure Academy and ApprenticeshipDC partner with local businesses to offset the costs of training, connect to a highly skilled workforce and equip job seekers with the skills necessary to attain quality work.
Learn more
A Workforce Pipeline
The District of Columbia has the third highest concentration of higher education graduates in the U.S. With 20-plus accredited higher education institutions, not including top schools with satellite campuses, it’s not surprising that DC has the highest proportion of college graduates of any metropolitan area. While many, if not most, DC colleges and universities have expertise on public policy, political science and the law, more are expanding their focus on STEAM areas of study.
Some of Washington, DC’s colleges and universities are:
News & Events
