Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead HR Business Partner Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$219,908/yr
Typical range: $196,204 – $239,798
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HR Business Partner salary by experience level in Washington DC
HR Business Partner 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 | $106,812 | $8,901 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,945 | $10,995 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $148,700 | $12,392 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $169,643 | $14,137 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $219,908 | $18,326 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $267,659 | $22,305 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $279,597 | $23,300 | +162% |
Current Salary
$219,908
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$267,659
Principal · 14
+$48Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead HR Business Partner salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead HR Business Partners in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $220K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead HR Business Partner make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $220K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior HR Business Partner in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HR Business Partner in Washington DC, DC earns $196K–$240K/yr.