EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$181,587/yr
Typical range: $161,072 – $193,302
P90 · 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 | $92,110 | $7,676 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $111,847 | $9,321 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,006 | $10,417 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $141,585 | $11,799 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $181,587 | $15,132 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $213,168 | $17,764 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $221,063 | $18,422 | +140% |
Current Salary
$181,587
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$213,168
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Quality Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $182K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Quality Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $182K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $161K–$193K/yr.