EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$249,220/yr
Typical range: $221,064 – $265,297
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Systems Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $126,416 | $10,535 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $153,505 | $12,792 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $171,564 | $14,297 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $194,319 | $16,193 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $249,220 | $20,768 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $292,562 | $24,380 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $303,398 | $25,283 | +140% |
Current Salary
$249,220
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $120/hr
Next Level Target
$292,562
Principal · 14
+$43Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $249K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $249K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $120/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $221K–$265K/yr.