TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead MLOps Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$338,452/yr
Typical range: $287,580 – $353,619
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
MLOps Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
MLOps 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 | $155,505 | $12,959 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $192,095 | $16,008 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $216,488 | $18,041 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $250,638 | $20,887 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $338,452 | $28,204 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $424,438 | $35,370 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $445,934 | $37,161 | +187% |
Current Salary
$338,452
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $163/hr
Next Level Target
$424,438
Principal · 14
+$86Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+52% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead MLOps Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead MLOps Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $338K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead MLOps Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $338K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $163/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior MLOps Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior MLOps Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $288K–$354K/yr.