EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Safety Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$137,692/yr
Typical range: $118,405 – $177,419
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Safety Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Safety 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 | $101,457 | $8,455 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $123,198 | $10,267 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,692 | $11,474 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $155,954 | $12,996 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $200,016 | $16,668 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $234,801 | $19,567 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $243,498 | $20,292 | +140% |
Current Salary
$137,692
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$155,954
Senior · 6
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Safety Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
3–5 Years Experience Safety Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $138K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Safety Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Safety Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Safety Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $177K–$213K/yr.