Defense Digital Service Salary

Defense Digital Service Salary

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As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Defense Digital Service in the United States is $49. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $100,965. Salaries at Defense Digital Service typically range from $42 to $56 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Defense Digital Service

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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 $37
-24.3%
Chadron Public Schools may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Aja Smith For Congress $47
-4.1%
Aja Smith For Congress focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
South Carolina Army National Guard $40
-17.6%
South Carolina Army National Guard likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Summerville Police Department $42
-13.1%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Summerville Police Department primarily operates.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $56
+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.

Companies Similar to Defense Digital Service and Their Hourly Pay Rates

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. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Defense Digital Service?

The typical salary range for most roles at Defense Digital Service is approximately from $42 to $56 per hour. 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. How much does Defense Digital Service pay compared to Chadron Public Schools?

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. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Defense Digital Service?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Defense Digital Service due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Defense Digital Service?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Defense Digital Service, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Defense Digital Service in Washington is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Defense Digital Service in Washington is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Defense Digital Service and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Washington" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are the salaries listed for Defense Digital Service on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Defense Digital Service, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.

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