GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$140,498/yr
Typical range: $133,978 – $151,302
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in Washington DC
Policy Analyst 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 | $91,324 | $7,610 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,032 | $8,586 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $112,399 | $9,367 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $121,765 | $10,147 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $140,498 | $11,708 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $157,358 | $13,113 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $161,573 | $13,464 | +77% |
Current Salary
$140,498
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$157,358
Principal · 14
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $140K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $140K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Washington DC, DC earns $134K–$151K/yr.