TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead DevOps Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$302,450/yr
Typical range: $256,989 – $316,004
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
DevOps Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
DevOps 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 | $138,963 | $11,580 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $171,661 | $14,305 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $193,459 | $16,122 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $223,976 | $18,665 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $302,450 | $25,204 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $379,288 | $31,607 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $398,498 | $33,208 | +187% |
Current Salary
$302,450
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $145/hr
Next Level Target
$379,288
Principal · 14
+$77Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+28% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead DevOps Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead DevOps Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $302K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead DevOps Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $302K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $145/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior DevOps Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior DevOps Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $257K–$316K/yr.