TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$266,307/yr
Typical range: $226,279 – $278,241
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Security 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 | $122,357 | $10,196 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $151,147 | $12,596 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $170,340 | $14,195 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $197,211 | $16,434 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $266,307 | $22,192 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $333,963 | $27,830 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $350,877 | $29,240 | +187% |
Current Salary
$266,307
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$333,963
Principal · 14
+$68Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Security Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $266K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Security Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $266K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Security Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $226K–$278K/yr.