Washington DC averages 45.1 applicants per job across 15,542 open positions from 2,982 employers.
Data Engineer leads with 90 applicants per job—3.6× higher than the least competitive roles
Washington DC's most competitive positions are concentrated in tech and finance roles. Our analysis of 15,542 LinkedIn job postings shows Data Engineer as the hardest role to land, with 90 applicants competing for each of just 58 openings. That's 3.6× more competitive than Maintenance Technician roles and 100% above Washington DC's average of 45.1 applicants per job.
Hardest to land — polish your resume
708+ openings across healthcare and skilled trades roles with just 25-25 applicants per job
Better odds — still need a great resume
Healthcare and skilled trades roles dominate Washington DC's least competitive job categories. Maintenance Technician positions have just 25 applicants per opening across 75 available jobs—3.6× easier to land than Data Engineer roles and 45% below Washington DC's average competition of 45.1 applicants.
Nurse leads with 426 openings at 25 applicants per job | Data Engineer is hardest to land at 90 applicants | Maintenance Technician easiest at 25
Our analysis of 15,542 LinkedIn job postings reveals significant variation in competition across Washington DC's 32 major job categories. Nurse offers the most opportunity with 426 open positions, but faces 25 applicants per role. Meanwhile, Data Engineer is the hardest role to land in Washington DC with 90 applicants competing for just 58 openings.
Of all 32 job titles analyzed, 4 roles are highly competitive (70+ applicants) accounting for 284 jobs, while 12 roles have below-average competition (under 40 applicants) with 1,285 combined openings. The competition gap in Washington DC is stark: Data Engineer averages 90 applicants while Maintenance Technician sees just 25—a 3.6× difference.
Children's National Hospital leads with 317 jobs (2% of market) | Google hardest at 103 applicants | Cloudshape easiest at 25
Children's National Hospital dominates Washington DC's job market with 317 open positions—2% of all jobs in the metro area—at 40 applicants per role. PwC follows with 301 positions at 28 applicants each. The top 10 employers alone account for 1,766 jobs—11% of Washington DC's market.
Competition varies dramatically by employer. Google is the hardest place to get hired in Washington DC with 103 applicants per job, while Cloudshape offers better odds at just 25 applicants. Of 25 major employers analyzed, 2 have high competition (70+ applicants) and 11 have below-average competition (under 40 applicants).
Browse 8 industries hiring across the Washington DC metro area
Data compiled by ResumeTarget.com from 15,542 LinkedIn job postings in the Washington DC metro area. Updated Dec 2, 2025.
Accenture Federal Services, Koniag Government Services, and 8 other employers with 2,909 open positions
The Technology sector in Washington DC currently has 2,909 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 56 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
Children's National Hospital, MedStar Health, and 8 other employers with 1,375 open positions
The Healthcare sector in Washington DC currently has 1,375 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 35 applicants per job, this industry is less competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
EY, Alvarez & Marsal, and 8 other employers with 951 open positions
The Consulting sector in Washington DC currently has 951 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 44 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Rose's Restaurant Group, and 8 other employers with 650 open positions
The Hospitality sector in Washington DC currently has 650 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 33 applicants per job, this industry is less competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
KPMG US, Affirm, and 8 other employers with 636 open positions
The Banking & Finance sector in Washington DC currently has 636 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 53 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
PwC, Deloitte, and 6 other employers with 587 open positions
The Accounting sector in Washington DC currently has 587 open positions across 8 employers in Washington. With an average of 32 applicants per job, this industry is less competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
BAE Systems, Inc., Anduril Industries, and 8 other employers with 553 open positions
The Manufacturing sector in Washington DC currently has 553 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 51 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
National Geographic Society, AARP, and 8 other employers with 541 open positions
The Non-profit sector in Washington DC currently has 541 open positions across 10 employers in Washington. With an average of 81 applicants per job, this industry is highly competitive compared to Washington DC's overall market average of 45.1.
Information Technology leads with 1,642 jobs (11% of market) at 44 applicants | Health Care Provider easiest to break into at 28 applicants
Information Technology dominates Washington DC's job market with 1,642 open positions—11% of all jobs—at 44 applicants per role. Management and Manufacturing follows with 1,497 positions at 36 applicants each. The top 3 functions account for 4,547 jobs—29% of Washington DC's entire job market.
Competition varies significantly by function. Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing is the most competitive category in Washington DC with 75 applicants per job, while Health Care Provider offers the best odds at just 28 applicants—a 47-applicant difference. Of 24 functions analyzed, 1 are highly competitive (70+ applicants) and 5 have below-average competition (under 40 applicants).
How does Washington DC's job competition compare to Mid-Atlantic rivals?
Head-to-head job market comparison
Washington DC has 27% less competition overall than New York City. Washington DC wins on most role comparisons.
See full New York City job market data →Ranked by competition level (lower = easier)
Washington DC ranks #2 of 5 for easiest job market in Mid-Atlantic.
Competition changes from other cities
Competition data based on 15,542 active job postings in Washington DC.
Washington DC averages 45.1 applicants per job across 15,542 open positions. Data Engineer is hardest at 90 applicants; Maintenance Technician is easiest at 25.
Data Engineer (90 applicants per job), Administrative Assistant (84), and Data Scientist (83). These roles see 3.6× more competition than healthcare positions.
Maintenance Technician (25 applicants per job, 75 openings), Tax Accountant (25), and Nurse (25).
Children's National Hospital leads with 317 jobs, followed by PwC (301) and EY (226). 2,982 companies are actively hiring.
15,542 open positions across 2,982 employers. Data from LinkedIn, updated Dec 2, 2025.
Technology (2,909 jobs), Healthcare (1,375), and Consulting (951).
ResumeTarget.com compiled and analyzed 15,542 full-time job postings from LinkedIn across the Washington DC-metro area to calculate competition levels by job title, industry, employer, and job function.
Competition is measured by the average number of applicants per job posting. Roles with 70+ applicants are classified as highly competitive, 40-69 as moderately competitive, and under 40 as less competitive.
With 45.1 applicants per job, you need a resume that immediately proves you're the top candidate. Our writers conduct 1-on-1 interviews to uncover your unique achievements and create ATS-optimized resumes that get noticed.
