TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Scientist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$258,054/yr
Typical range: $219,266 – $269,618
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Data Scientist 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 | $118,565 | $9,880 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $146,463 | $12,205 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $165,062 | $13,755 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $191,100 | $15,925 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $258,054 | $21,505 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $323,614 | $26,968 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $340,004 | $28,334 | +187% |
Current Salary
$258,054
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$323,614
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Scientist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Data Scientists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $258K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Scientist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $258K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Scientist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Washington DC, DC earns $219K–$270K/yr.