TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead NLP Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$176,721/yr
Typical range: $150,158 – $184,640
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
NLP Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
NLP Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $81,196 | $6,766 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $100,301 | $8,358 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $113,038 | $9,420 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $130,869 | $10,906 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $176,721 | $14,727 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $221,618 | $18,468 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $232,842 | $19,404 | +187% |
Current Salary
$176,721
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$221,618
Principal · 14
+$45Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead NLP Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead NLP Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $177K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead NLP Engineer make per hour in Dallas, TX?
Based on $177K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior NLP Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior NLP Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $150K–$185K/yr.