TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$317,944/yr
Typical range: $270,154 – $332,192
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $146,082 | $12,174 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $180,455 | $15,038 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $203,370 | $16,948 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $235,450 | $19,621 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $317,944 | $26,495 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $398,719 | $33,227 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $418,913 | $34,909 | +187% |
Current Salary
$317,944
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $153/hr
Next Level Target
$398,719
Principal · 14
+$81Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $318K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $318K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $153/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $270K–$332K/yr.