EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$170,721/yr
Typical range: $151,434 – $181,735
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
Systems Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $86,598 | $7,217 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $105,154 | $8,763 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,525 | $9,794 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $133,113 | $11,093 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $170,721 | $14,227 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $200,412 | $16,701 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,834 | $17,320 | +140% |
Current Salary
$170,721
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $82/hr
Next Level Target
$200,412
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $171K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Engineer make per hour in Dallas, TX?
Based on $171K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $82/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $151K–$182K/yr.