Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead HR Manager Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$187,299/yr
Typical range: $167,110 – $204,240
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HR Manager salary by experience level in Washington DC
HR Manager 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 | $90,974 | $7,581 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,379 | $9,365 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,650 | $10,554 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $144,488 | $12,041 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $187,299 | $15,608 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $227,970 | $18,998 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $238,137 | $19,845 | +162% |
Current Salary
$187,299
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$227,970
Principal · 14
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead HR Manager salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead HR Managers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $187K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead HR Manager make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $187K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior HR Manager in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HR Manager in Washington DC, DC earns $167K–$204K/yr.