TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$280,531/yr
Typical range: $238,365 – $293,102
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,439 | $14,953 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $207,745 | $17,312 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$280,531
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $135/hr
Next Level Target
$351,801
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $281K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $281K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $135/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.