Risk Analyst.
Arlington.
$112,000
median salary, 18% above the national average
$85,000 to $148,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Risk Analyst in Arlington earns a median of $112,000 in 2026. That is 18% above the national average. The range runs from $85,000 to $148,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Risk domain specialization and quantitative skill depth drive salary variance.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $101,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$73,000
to $90,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$95,000
to $118,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$123,000
to $146,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$140,000
to $174,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $30,000 to the total package.
Base
$112,000
Equity
$17,000
Bonus
$11,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $142,000
How Arlington compares
Arlington, VA
$112,000
Cost of living: 22% above average
National Average
$95,000
Arlington is $17,000 above
Risk Analyst salary by city
Salary by role in Arlington
What you should know
Here is what the Risk Analyst market actually looks like in Arlington. Arlington is the heart of the DC defense and intelligence corridor, home to the Pentagon, DARPA, and hundreds of government contractors. The concentration of cleared tech jobs makes it one of the highest-paying metros for cybersecurity and cloud engineering. Amazon's HQ2 has brought a wave of commercial tech hiring. Risk domain specialization and quantitative skill depth drive salary variance. Market risk and credit risk analysts at large banks earn 15 to 25% more than operational risk analysts. Proficiency in Python, R, SAS, and Monte Carlo simulation techniques separates higher-paid analysts from those using primarily spreadsheet-based approaches.
Junior risk analysts start at $62,000 to $78,000. Mid-level risk analysts earn $85,000 to $115,000. Senior risk analysts and team leads reach $115,000 to $150,000. Risk managers earn $140,000 to $190,000, with chief risk officers at large institutions commanding $250,000 to $500,000. In Arlington, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 22% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Annual bonuses of 10 to 25% are standard, with banking sector risk analysts earning the highest variable pay. Total compensation at bulge bracket banks can reach $130,000 to $180,000 for mid-level analysts. Some firms offer deferred compensation tied to risk management outcomes. And on the tax side: virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75%. Arlington has no additional city income tax. Proximity to DC means many residents compare against DC and Maryland tax rates. When someone quotes you $112,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: A security clearance is your strongest asset. Cleared professionals in Arlington earn 20 to 30% premiums over non-cleared equivalents. The range for Risk Analysts in Arlington runs from $85,000 to $148,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Physical Therapist in Arlington earns $110,000 (2% less)
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Common questions.
Risk Analyst salary in other cities
Other salaries in Arlington
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