EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Systems Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$188,280/yr
Typical range: $214,193 – $257,052
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $122,487 | $10,207 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,734 | $12,395 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,232 | $13,853 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,280 | $15,690 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $241,474 | $20,123 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $283,469 | $23,622 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $293,968 | $24,497 | +140% |
Current Salary
$188,280
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $91/hr
Next Level Target
$241,474
Staff · 10
+$53Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Systems Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Senior Systems Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $188K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Systems Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $188K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $91/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $214K–$257K/yr.