TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead IT Manager Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$289,602/yr
Typical range: $246,072 – $302,580
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
IT Manager salary by experience level in Washington DC
IT 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 | $133,060 | $11,088 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $164,369 | $13,697 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $185,241 | $15,437 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $214,462 | $17,872 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $289,602 | $24,134 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $363,177 | $30,265 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $381,570 | $31,798 | +187% |
Current Salary
$289,602
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $139/hr
Next Level Target
$363,177
Principal · 14
+$74Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead IT Manager salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead IT Managers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $290K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead IT Manager make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $290K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $139/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior IT Manager in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior IT Manager in Washington DC, DC earns $246K–$303K/yr.