TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$366,529/yr
Typical range: $311,437 – $382,955
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $168,405 | $14,034 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $208,030 | $17,336 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $234,447 | $19,537 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $271,430 | $22,619 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $366,529 | $30,544 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $459,648 | $38,304 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $482,927 | $40,244 | +187% |
Current Salary
$366,529
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $176/hr
Next Level Target
$459,648
Principal · 14
+$93Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $367K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $367K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $176/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $311K–$383K/yr.