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.
$192,698/yr
Typical range: $175,907 – $212,393
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 | $92,780 | $7,732 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $117,046 | $9,754 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $134,175 | $11,181 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $152,731 | $12,728 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $192,698 | $16,058 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $223,529 | $18,627 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $231,237 | $19,270 | +149% |
Current Salary
$192,698
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $93/hr
Next Level Target
$223,529
Principal · 14
+$31Kpotential 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 $193K 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 $193K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $93/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 $176K–$212K/yr.