EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Quality Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$127,338/yr
Typical range: $109,502 – $164,077
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Quality 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 | $93,828 | $7,819 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $113,934 | $9,495 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $127,338 | $10,612 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $144,227 | $12,019 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $184,975 | $15,415 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $217,145 | $18,095 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $225,187 | $18,766 | +140% |
Current Salary
$127,338
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$144,227
Senior · 6
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Quality Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
3–5 Years Experience Quality Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $127K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Quality Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $127K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Quality Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $164K–$197K/yr.