U.S. Census Bureau Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at U.S. Census Bureau in the United States is $45. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $93,117. Salaries at U.S. Census Bureau typically range from $39 to $51 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does U.S. Census Bureau Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at U.S. Census Bureau. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Accountant, GG-0510- 7/9, Census-DE-CG, with an hourly wage of $45. The table below outlines the hourly wage ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Accountant, GG-0510- 7/9, Census-DE-CG

$45 / hour

Salary Range: $41 - $49

Mechanical Engineering

Accountant, GG-0510- 7/9, Census-MP-CG

$30 / hour

Salary Range: $26 - $34

Mechanical Engineering

Accountant, GG-0510-09, Census-MP-LRC

$30 / hour

Salary Range: $26 - $34

Mechanical Engineering

Accountant, GG-0510-7/9, Census-DE-KG

$45 / hour

Salary Range: $41 - $49

Mechanical Engineering

Accountant, GG-0510-7/9, Census-MP-KG

$30 / hour

Salary Range: $26 - $34

Mechanical Engineering

Accountant, GS-0510-7/9, Census-MP-KJG

$26 / hour

Salary Range: $23 - $30

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About U.S. Census Bureau: Company Profile

Website
www.census.gov
Founded In
1977
Employees
7,500 - 15,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
COLLEGE PARK
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
The Census Bureau serves as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. We have been headquartered in Suitland, Maryland since 1942, and currently employ about 4,285 staff members. We are part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and overseen by the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA). We honor privacy, protect confidentiality, share our expertise globally,

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into U.S. Census Bureau's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
The organization actively supports internal mobility and skill enhancement. This organization offers stability with a focus on employee development, transparent leadership, and collaboration. Communication varies between departments. Passionate, organized team with excellent communication and service delivery.
Work is steady, and communication is regular. Leadership fosters an open-door policy and encourages feedback. The company fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace with strong leadership support. Work is steady, with standard benefits and typical government structure. This openness builds trust and encourages a more informed and engaged workforce across all departments. Leadership is stable, and i...
The benefits package is competitive, including tuition assistance that demonstrates their commitment to education. I’m grateful to work for a company that truly invests in its people. Processes can take time but structured.
The work can be repetitive, but it feels worthwhile. The organization adapts quickly to changing needs and technology. Working here means engaging in meaningful work that impacts communities positively. Most teams are respectful, but interdepartmental coordination is weak. The staff are well-meaning and approachable.
Excellent leadership and staff engagement. The consistent benefits and long-term retirement options are a huge plus, especially for someone planning to stay long term. I feel appreciated and am proud to serve in a role with impact. What I enjoy most about this job is the consistency. This place values education, development, and inclusion.

Is U.S. Census Bureau’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does U.S. Census Bureau'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
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION $41
-9.0%
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
U S A RELAY $36
-18.5%
U S A RELAY focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
U-CAN DRIVE SCHOOL OF DRIVING $42
-5.7%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like U-CAN DRIVE SCHOOL OF DRIVING.
U S A CHESS OLYMPICS $35
-21.6%
U S A CHESS OLYMPICS operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $56
+23.9%
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.

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 U.S. Census Bureau.
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 U.S. Census Bureau, 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 U.S. Census Bureau 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.

Most Common Questions About U.S. Census Bureau

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at U.S. Census Bureau?
The typical salary range for most roles at U.S. Census Bureau is approximately from $39 to $51 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.
FAQ 2: How much does U.S. Census Bureau pay compared to U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION?
The average annual salary at U.S. Census Bureau is $93,117, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION which pays $84,750 per year or $41 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at U.S. Census Bureau?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at U.S. Census Bureau, 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.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from U.S. Census Bureau in Washington is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from U.S. Census Bureau in Washington is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at U.S. Census Bureau and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Washington" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Are the salaries listed for U.S. Census Bureau on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?
All salary figures displayed for U.S. Census Bureau, 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.