EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Civil Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$194,499/yr
Typical range: $172,525 – $207,046
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Civil 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 | $98,659 | $8,222 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,800 | $9,983 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $133,894 | $11,158 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,653 | $12,638 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $194,499 | $16,208 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $228,324 | $19,027 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $236,781 | $19,732 | +140% |
Current Salary
$194,499
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$228,324
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Civil Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Civil Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $194K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Civil Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $194K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Civil Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $173K–$207K/yr.