HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Psychologist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$195,273/yr
Typical range: $183,006 – $215,655
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Psychologist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Psychologist 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 | $106,790 | $8,899 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,199 | $10,933 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,438 | $12,120 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $161,100 | $13,425 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $195,273 | $16,273 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $224,564 | $18,714 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $231,887 | $19,324 | +117% |
Current Salary
$195,273
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$224,564
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Psychologist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Psychologists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $195K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Psychologist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $195K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Psychologist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Psychologist in Washington DC, DC earns $183K–$216K/yr.