EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$205,634/yr
Typical range: $182,402 – $218,900
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Structural 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 | $104,307 | $8,692 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $126,659 | $10,555 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $141,560 | $11,797 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $160,335 | $13,361 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $205,634 | $17,136 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $241,396 | $20,116 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $250,337 | $20,861 | +140% |
Current Salary
$205,634
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $99/hr
Next Level Target
$241,396
Principal · 14
+$36Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Structural Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $206K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Structural Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $206K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $99/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $182K–$219K/yr.