ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Industrial Designer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$158,246/yr
Typical range: $141,189 – $172,559
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Industrial Designer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Industrial Designer 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 | $76,862 | $6,405 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,948 | $7,912 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $107,005 | $8,917 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $122,076 | $10,173 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $158,246 | $13,187 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $192,608 | $16,051 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $201,199 | $16,767 | +162% |
Current Salary
$158,246
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$192,608
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Industrial Designer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Industrial Designers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $158K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Industrial Designer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $158K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Industrial Designer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Industrial Designer in Washington DC, DC earns $141K–$173K/yr.