Defense Digital Service Salary

How much does the Defense Digital Service Pay for employees?

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. Defense Digital Service’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Defense Digital Service Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Defense Digital Service. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
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Current Job Openings at Defense Digital Service

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Defense Digital Service. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Defense Digital Service’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Defense Digital Service’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Defense Digital Service
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Chadron Public Schools
Aja Smith For Congress
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Defense Digital Service is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 12%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Defense Digital Service average annual salary with several similar companies. Defense Digital Service average salary of $100,965 is higher than Chadron Public Schools, which has an average salary of $76,441. It is higher than Aja Smith For Congress, with their average salary at $96,841. This places Defense Digital Service in a competitive position among its peers.
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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....
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.
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.

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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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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.