EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$226,502/yr
Typical range: $200,913 – $241,114
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Electrical Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Electrical 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 | $114,892 | $9,574 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $139,512 | $11,626 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $155,925 | $12,994 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $176,606 | $14,717 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $226,502 | $18,875 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $265,894 | $22,158 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $275,742 | $22,979 | +140% |
Current Salary
$226,502
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$265,894
Principal · 14
+$39Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Electrical Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $227K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Electrical Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $227K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Electrical Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrical Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $201K–$241K/yr.