BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Project Manager Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$217,057/yr
Typical range: $196,289 – $242,837
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Project Manager salary by experience level in Washington DC
Project Manager 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 | $100,777 | $8,398 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,134 | $10,595 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,739 | $12,145 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,444 | $13,954 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $217,057 | $18,088 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $260,469 | $21,706 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $271,322 | $22,610 | +169% |
Current Salary
$217,057
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$260,469
Principal · 14
+$43Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Project Manager salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Project Managers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $217K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Project Manager make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $217K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Project Manager in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Project Manager in Washington DC, DC earns $196K–$243K/yr.