EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Safety Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$200,016/yr
Typical range: $177,419 – $212,919
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,692 | $11,474 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $155,954 | $12,996 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$200,016
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $96/hr
Next Level Target
$234,801
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Safety Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Safety Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $200K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Safety Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $200K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $96/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.