TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$258,247/yr
Typical range: $219,430 – $269,819
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $118,654 | $9,888 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $146,572 | $12,214 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $165,185 | $13,765 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $191,242 | $15,937 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $258,247 | $21,521 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $323,855 | $26,988 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $340,257 | $28,355 | +187% |
Current Salary
$258,247
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$323,855
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $258K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Dallas, TX?
Based on $258K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $219K–$270K/yr.