TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$207,976/yr
Typical range: $176,715 – $217,296
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
QA 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 | $95,556 | $7,963 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $118,040 | $9,837 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $133,029 | $11,086 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $154,014 | $12,835 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $207,976 | $17,331 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $260,813 | $21,734 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $274,022 | $22,835 | +187% |
Current Salary
$207,976
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $100/hr
Next Level Target
$260,813
Principal · 14
+$53Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $208K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead QA Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $208K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $100/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $177K–$217K/yr.