Engineering Manager Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$185,220
$89.05/hr
vs National Average
$166,076
+11.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$138K – $225K
1K employed in District of Columbia
The Engineering Manager salary in District of Columbia averages $185,220 annually, positioning the region well above national benchmarks. With approximately 1,290 engineering managers employed in the district, salaries typically range from $138,470 to $225,080 per year. This represents a 12% premium compared to the national average, reflecting the area's strong tech and government contracting sectors.
Several factors influence Engineering Manager compensation in the capital region. Experience level, educational background, and specific industry specialization significantly impact earning potential. The concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and technology companies in Washington, D.C. creates competitive demand for qualified managers, which naturally drives higher salaries. Additionally, the cost of living and local market dynamics contribute to the elevated compensation packages offered to engineering management professionals.
Salary Distribution — Engineering Manager in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $138,470 |
| 25th percentile | $161,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $185,220 |
| 75th percentile | $195,190 |
| 90th percentile | $225,080 |
Top-Paying Industries for Engineering Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Engineering Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Engineering Managers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $220,260 | 2K |
| Information | $206,790 | 3K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $192,990 | 3K |
| Retail Trade | $191,820 | 160 |
| Finance and Insurance | $182,680 | 760 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Engineering Manager in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $164,090 |
| 2023 | $171,270 |
| 2024 | $176,950 |
| 2025 | $185,220 |
| 2026 (projected) | $193,877 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $164,090 | $146,614 |
| 2023 | $171,270 | $154,625 |
| 2024 | $176,950 | $159,404 |
| 2025 | $185,220 | $166,076 |
| 2026 (projected) | $193,877 | $173,838 |
Engineering Manager Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $161,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $185,220 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $225,080 |
Engineering Manager Salary in Other States
Related Engineering Manager Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Engineering Manager ($185,220 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Engineering Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +5.4% | $93.84/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | -7.0% | $82.85/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | -14.9% | $75.77/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | -22.8% | $68.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | -28.0% | $64.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -43.9% | $49.94/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -44.2% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -45.5% | $48.52/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in DC | $184,350 | -0.5% | $88.63/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | -1.2% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | -1.5% | $87.72/hr |
| Financial Manager in DC | $188,880 | +2.0% | $90.81/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do engineering managers make in Washington DC?
- Engineering managers in Washington DC earn a median salary of $185,220 per year, which translates to approximately $89 per hour. This is 11.5% higher than the national average for the role, making DC one of the most competitive markets for engineering management positions.
What is the salary range for an engineering manager in District of Columbia?
- Engineering manager salaries in DC range from $138,470 at the lower end to $225,080 at the higher end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, company size, and specific specialization within engineering management.
Is the engineering manager salary in DC above the national average?
- Yes, engineering managers in Washington DC earn 11.5% more than the national average. The median DC salary of $185,220 per year positions the district well above typical U.S. rates for this role.
How many engineering managers are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 1,290 engineering managers currently employed in the District of Columbia, indicating a stable and reasonably sized job market for this position in the area.