EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$294,622/yr
Typical range: $261,336 – $313,628
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Petroleum 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 | $149,446 | $12,454 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $181,470 | $15,123 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $202,819 | $16,902 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $229,720 | $19,143 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $294,622 | $24,552 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $345,860 | $28,822 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $358,670 | $29,889 | +140% |
Current Salary
$294,622
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $142/hr
Next Level Target
$345,860
Principal · 14
+$51Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $295K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $295K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $142/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $261K–$314K/yr.