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.
$349,723/yr
Typical range: $297,156 – $365,395
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 | $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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$349,723
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $168/hr
Next Level Target
$438,571
Principal · 14
+$89Kpotential 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 $350K 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 $350K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $168/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 $297K–$365K/yr.