EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Systems Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$120,244/yr
Typical range: $116,933 – $140,330
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Systems 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 | $120,244 | $10,020 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $146,010 | $12,168 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $163,188 | $13,599 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $184,832 | $15,403 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $237,052 | $19,754 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $278,279 | $23,190 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $288,585 | $24,049 | +140% |
Current Salary
$120,244
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$146,010
Junior · 2
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Systems Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Systems Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $120K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Systems Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $120K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $210K–$252K/yr.