EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Marine Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$213,095/yr
Typical range: $189,021 – $226,843
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Marine Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Marine 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 | $108,092 | $9,008 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,254 | $10,938 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,696 | $12,225 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,153 | $13,846 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $213,095 | $17,758 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $250,156 | $20,846 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $259,421 | $21,618 | +140% |
Current Salary
$213,095
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $102/hr
Next Level Target
$250,156
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Marine Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Marine Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $213K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Marine Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $213K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $102/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Marine Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Marine Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $189K–$227K/yr.