ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$155,929/yr
Typical range: $142,343 – $171,866
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Climate Scientist 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 | $75,077 | $6,256 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,712 | $7,893 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $108,573 | $9,048 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $123,588 | $10,299 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $155,929 | $12,994 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $180,878 | $15,073 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $187,115 | $15,593 | +149% |
Current Salary
$155,929
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $75/hr
Next Level Target
$180,878
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $156K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $156K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $75/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Washington DC, DC earns $142K–$172K/yr.