TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Software Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$144,404/yr
Typical range: $137,332 – $168,868
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Software 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $144,404 | $12,034 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $178,382 | $14,865 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $201,033 | $16,753 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $232,745 | $19,395 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $314,291 | $26,191 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $394,138 | $32,845 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $414,100 | $34,508 | +187% |
Current Salary
$144,404
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $69/hr
Next Level Target
$178,382
Junior · 2
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Software Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Software Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $144K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Software Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $144K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $69/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Software Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $267K–$328K/yr.