TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$264,735/yr
Typical range: $224,943 – $276,599
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Embedded Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Embedded Systems Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $121,635 | $10,136 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $150,255 | $12,521 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $169,335 | $14,111 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $196,047 | $16,337 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $264,735 | $22,061 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $331,992 | $27,666 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $348,806 | $29,067 | +187% |
Current Salary
$264,735
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $127/hr
Next Level Target
$331,992
Principal · 14
+$67Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $265K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $265K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $127/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Embedded Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Embedded Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $225K–$277K/yr.