ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Architect Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$200,521/yr
Typical range: $178,907 – $218,657
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Architect salary by experience level in Washington DC
Architect Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $97,396 | $8,116 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $120,312 | $10,026 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $135,590 | $11,299 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $154,687 | $12,891 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $200,521 | $16,710 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $244,062 | $20,339 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $254,948 | $21,246 | +162% |
Current Salary
$200,521
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $96/hr
Next Level Target
$244,062
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Architect salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Architects in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $201K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Architect make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $201K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $96/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Architect in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in Washington DC, DC earns $179K–$219K/yr.