TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$245,532/yr
Typical range: $208,626 – $256,535
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Machine Learning 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 | $112,812 | $9,401 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $139,356 | $11,613 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,052 | $13,088 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $181,826 | $15,152 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $245,532 | $20,461 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $307,910 | $25,659 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $323,505 | $26,959 | +187% |
Current Salary
$245,532
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $118/hr
Next Level Target
$307,910
Principal · 14
+$62Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $246K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $246K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $118/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $209K–$257K/yr.