ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biologist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$167,958/yr
Typical range: $153,323 – $185,124
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Biologist 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 | $80,868 | $6,739 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $102,019 | $8,502 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $116,948 | $9,746 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $133,122 | $11,094 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $167,958 | $13,997 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $194,831 | $16,236 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $201,549 | $16,796 | +149% |
Current Salary
$167,958
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$194,831
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biologist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Biologists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $168K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biologist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $168K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biologist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in Washington DC, DC earns $153K–$185K/yr.