TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Data Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$179,439/yr
Typical range: $150,729 – $238,365
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Data Engineer 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 | $128,893 | $10,741 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $159,220 | $13,268 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,439 | $14,953 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $207,745 | $17,312 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $280,531 | $23,378 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $351,801 | $29,317 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $369,619 | $30,802 | +187% |
Current Salary
$179,439
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $86/hr
Next Level Target
$207,745
Senior · 6
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Data Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
3–5 Years Experience Data Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $179K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Data Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $179K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $86/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Data Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $238K–$293K/yr.