TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Architect Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$302,696/yr
Typical range: $257,198 – $316,260
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Architect salary by experience level in Washington DC
Data Architect 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 | $139,076 | $11,590 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $171,800 | $14,317 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $193,616 | $16,135 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $224,158 | $18,680 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $302,696 | $25,225 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $379,597 | $31,633 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $398,822 | $33,235 | +187% |
Current Salary
$302,696
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $146/hr
Next Level Target
$379,597
Principal · 14
+$77Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
68/100
Good
+28% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Architect salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Data Architects in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $303K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Architect make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $303K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $146/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Architect in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Architect in Washington DC, DC earns $257K–$316K/yr.