EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$237,052/yr
Typical range: $210,271 – $252,345
P90 · 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 | $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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$237,052
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $114/hr
Next Level Target
$278,279
Principal · 14
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $237K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $237K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $114/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $210K–$252K/yr.