TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Data Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$128,893/yr
Typical range: $122,580 – $150,729
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $128,893 | $10,741 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $159,220 | $13,268 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$128,893
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$159,220
Junior · 2
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Data Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Data Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $129K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Data Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Data Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $238K–$293K/yr.