TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Network Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$223,518/yr
Typical range: $189,922 – $233,535
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Network Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Network Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $102,698 | $8,558 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $126,862 | $10,572 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $142,971 | $11,914 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $165,524 | $13,794 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $223,518 | $18,627 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $280,304 | $23,359 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $294,501 | $24,542 | +187% |
Current Salary
$223,518
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $107/hr
Next Level Target
$280,304
Principal · 14
+$57Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Network Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Network Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $224K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Network Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $224K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $107/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Network Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Network Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $190K–$234K/yr.