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Defense Digital Service Salary

Defense Digital Service Salary

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As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Defense Digital Service in the United States is $100,965. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $49. Salaries at Defense Digital Service typically range from $88,263 to $115,574 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is Defense Digital Service’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Defense Digital Service's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Chadron Public Schools $76,441
-24.3%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Chadron Public Schools primarily operates.
Aja Smith For Congress $96,841
-4.1%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
South Carolina Army National Guard $83,213
-17.6%
South Carolina Army National Guard operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Summerville Police Department $87,696
-13.1%
Summerville Police Department may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+14.2%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

How Defense Digital Service's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

Explore companies in the same industry to compare average salaries, benefits, and career opportunities with those at Defense Digital Service. Click a company name to learn more.

Employee Reviews: Working at Defense Digital Service

Considering a career at Defense Digital Service? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
I appreciate the focus on professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities. Management is approachable but highly procedural. The company values employee input, providing frequent opportunities for feedback and professional growth. What stands out most is the shared passion for education - from the maintenance staff to the superintendent, everyone believes in our mission....
Commented in February 01, 2025
30
0
Leadership promotes accountability and fairness. The mission to serve the public and support education creates a strong sense of purpose. Pay is fair, though not exceptional. Smooth outcomes. The environment is respectful, though not particularly dynamic. Professional development is encouraged and funded.
Commented in January 25, 2025
43
2
It’s a good fit for someone looking for long-term stability and it is for those seeking fast-paced challenges or innovation. Clear goals and open communication. The team is generally professional, but response times vary. Salaries are fair and it is competitive. Employee achievements are consistently recognized, enhancing motivation.
Commented in March 22, 2024
40
1

Defense Digital Service Overview

Website
www.dds.mil
Founded In
2016
Employees
25 - 50 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
9019 Defense Pentagon Washington District of Columbia DC 20301
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About Defense Digital Service
Defense Digital Service is a rapid response team that includes top engineers, data scientists, product managers and designers - from industry, government and the military - working within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The Department of Defense defends and protects our nation's military and civilians across the globe. This mission is extremely technicalfrom putting satellites in the sky,

What Benefits Does Defense Digital Service Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Defense Digital Service offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Defense Digital Service.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from Defense Digital Service, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of Defense Digital Service salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Defense Digital Service

1. How much does Defense Digital Service in the United States pay?

Defense Digital Service pays its employees an average of $100,965 per year. The average salary at Defense Digital Service range from $88,263 to $115,574 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills and location.

2. Do Defense Digital Service employees get a higher salary than its peer company?

The salary at Defense Digital Service is higher than its peer company. The average annual salary at Defense Digital Service is $100,965, or an hourly wage of $49, in comparison to Chadron Public Schools which pays $76,441 per year or $37 per hour.

3. What are the highest paying jobs at Defense Digital Service?

The higher-paying job at Defense Digital Service, according to our data, include Deputy General Counsel (avg. $287,625 per year), Chief of Staff (avg. $270,989 per year), and Director, Communications (avg. $172,116 per year). Pay for these roles reflects significant responsibility, specialized skills and experience.

4. How much does salary increase with years of experience at Defense Digital Service?

Salary progression with years of experience at Defense Digital Service is typical. Generally, as employees gain more relevant experience, develop more skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases. For example, a role with 5-7 years of experience will usually pay more than the same role requiring 0-2 years.

5. Do salaries at Defense Digital Service vary by office location?

Yes, it's very likely that salaries at Defense Digital Service vary by office location. Companies often adjust pay based on local market rates, cost of living, and talent competition in different geographic areas. For instance, a role in a high-cost city like New York City may offer a higher nominal salary than the same role in a lower-cost city like Omaha, NE. Our Cost of Living Insights for Washington section provides more context.

6. Does Defense Digital Service offer good benefits?

Defense Digital Service typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to an employee's total compensation. Common benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan often with a company match, paid time off. For example, a strong 401(k) match or excellent, low-cost health insurance can be worth thousands of dollars annually, effectively increasing your overall earnings beyond your base salary. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Defense Digital Service" section on this page.

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