Engineering Manager Salary in Washington D.C.
2026 compensation data for Engineering Manager positions in Washington D.C., DC. Ranges from $174,000 (entry-level) to $384,000 (senior). Median: $252,000.
Median (Mid)
$252,000
$121.15/hr
vs National
-2%
US: $258,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$384,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $174,000 | $202,000 | $234,000 | $97.12/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $216,000 | $252,000 | $294,000 | $121.15/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $270,000 | $324,000 | $384,000 | $155.77/hr |
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A mid-level engineering manager earning $252,000 in Washington D.C. has the same buying power as $168,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Engineering Manager Salaries in Washington D.C.
Lead engineering teams, set technical direction, and manage delivery, hiring, and performance. This page covers engineering manager compensation specifically in Washington D.C., DC.
The median engineering manager salary in Washington D.C., DC is $252,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Washington D.C. offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level engineering managers in Washington D.C. can expect to earn between $174,000 and $234,000 (about $97.12/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $384,000 ($384K annually, or about $184.62/hour).
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 like Washington D.C..
Frequently Asked Questions: Engineering Manager Salary in Washington D.C.
What is the average Engineering Manager salary in Washington D.C.?+
The average Engineering Manager salary in Washington D.C. is $252,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $202,000 and senior-level pay reaches $324,000.
How much does an entry-level engineering manager make in Washington D.C.?+
Entry-level engineering managers in Washington D.C. earn between $174,000 and $234,000, with a median of $202,000 per year (about $97.12/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Engineering Manager in Washington D.C.?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Engineering Manager in Washington D.C. earns roughly $97.12/hour at entry-level, $121.15/hour at mid-level, and $155.77/hour at senior-level.
Is the Engineering Manager salary in Washington D.C. higher than the US average?+
Engineering Manager salaries in Washington D.C. are about 2% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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