Data Engineer Salary in Washington, DC
Data Engineer salaries in Washington range from $116,000 to $319,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $199,375, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$116,000 – $159,500
Median: $137,750 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$174,000 – $224,750
Median: $199,375 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$232,000 – $319,000
Median: $275,500 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Data Engineer Salary in Washington, DC
Estimated†$203,000–$271,875/year
Median: $237,438 per year (adjusted for Washington cost of living)
Junior
$137,750
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$199,375
3-5 yrs
Senior
$275,500
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Washington
Cost of Living Levelvery high
Population690K
Top IndustriesGovernment & Defense Contracting, Cybersecurity, Consulting
vs National Average+45%
Top Employers in Washington
Booz Allen HamiltonDeloitteCACI InternationalMedStar HealthCapital One
How Washington Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $199,375 | very high |
| New York, NY | $199,375 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $199,375 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $165,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $137,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $137,500 | moderate |