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.
$308,044/yr
Typical range: $261,743 – $321,849
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 | $141,534 | $11,795 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $174,836 | $14,570 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $197,037 | $16,420 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $228,119 | $19,010 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $308,044 | $25,670 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $386,304 | $32,192 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $405,869 | $33,822 | +187% |
Current Salary
$308,044
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $148/hr
Next Level Target
$386,304
Principal · 14
+$78Kpotential 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 $308K 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 $308K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $148/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 $262K–$322K/yr.