Salaries/Data Engineer/Washington D.C.

Data Engineer Salary in Washington D.C.

2026 compensation data for Data Engineer positions in Washington D.C.. Ranges from $96,000 (entry-level) to $252,000 (senior).

Median (Mid)

$166,000

vs National

+2%

COL Index

150

Senior Max

$252,000

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–2 years)$96,000$144,000
$96KMedian: $118,000$144K
Mid-Level (3–5 years)$138,000$192,000
$138KMedian: $166,000$192K
Senior (6+ years)$180,000$252,000
$180KMedian: $214,000$252K

Detailed Compensation Breakdown

LevelMinimumMedianMaximum
Entry-Level$96,000$118,000$144,000
Mid-Level$138,000$166,000$192,000
Senior$180,000$214,000$252,000

About Data Engineer Salaries in Washington D.C.

The median data engineer salary in Washington D.C. is $166,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Washington D.C. offers a higher cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.

Entry-level data engineers in Washington D.C. can expect to earn between $96,000 and $144,000, while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $252,000.

These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets.

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