EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$192,484/yr
Typical range: $170,738 – $204,901
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Environmental 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 | $97,637 | $8,136 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $118,559 | $9,880 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,507 | $11,042 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $150,082 | $12,507 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $192,484 | $16,040 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $225,959 | $18,830 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $234,328 | $19,527 | +140% |
Current Salary
$192,484
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $93/hr
Next Level Target
$225,959
Principal · 14
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $192K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Environmental Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $93/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $171K–$205K/yr.