TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$160,683/yr
Typical range: $152,813 – $187,905
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $160,683 | $13,390 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $198,491 | $16,541 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $223,696 | $18,641 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $258,984 | $21,582 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $349,723 | $29,144 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $438,571 | $36,548 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $460,783 | $38,399 | +187% |
Current Salary
$160,683
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$198,491
Junior · 2
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $161K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $161K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $297K–$365K/yr.