BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Technology Officer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$489,192/yr
Typical range: $442,386 – $547,292
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Technology Officer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Chief Technology Officer 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 | $227,125 | $18,927 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $286,527 | $23,877 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $328,458 | $27,372 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $377,377 | $31,448 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $489,192 | $40,766 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $587,031 | $48,919 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $611,490 | $50,958 | +169% |
Current Salary
$489,192
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $235/hr
Next Level Target
$587,031
Principal · 14
+$98Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+18% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Technology Officer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Chief Technology Officers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $489K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Technology Officer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $489K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $235/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Technology Officer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Technology Officer in Washington DC, DC earns $442K–$547K/yr.