TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$296,395/yr
Typical range: $251,844 – $309,678
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Data Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $136,182 | $11,349 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $168,224 | $14,019 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $189,586 | $15,799 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $219,493 | $18,291 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $296,395 | $24,700 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $371,696 | $30,975 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $390,521 | $32,543 | +187% |
Current Salary
$296,395
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $142/hr
Next Level Target
$371,696
Principal · 14
+$75Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $296K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $296K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $142/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $252K–$310K/yr.