Software Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 17K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$156,590
$75.28/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
+46.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$87K – $208K
17K employed in District of Columbia
Software engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $156,590 per year, significantly outpacing opportunities in most other regions. With approximately 17,200 software engineers working in the district, the area represents a substantial tech employment hub. This median figure reflects a competitive market driven by the concentration of federal agencies, established tech companies, and venture-backed startups throughout the region.
The software engineer salary in District of Columbia varies considerably based on experience level, educational background, and employer type. Salaries range from $87,400 for entry-level positions to $207,700 for senior roles, reflecting the diversity of employers and career trajectories available. Government contractors, financial institutions, and technology firms all compete for talent, which keeps compensation packages well above the national average of approximately $106,500, making the district an attractive location for career advancement in software engineering.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $87,400 |
| 25th percentile | $123,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $156,590 |
| 75th percentile | $180,480 |
| 90th percentile | $207,700 |
Software Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in District of Columbia
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in District of Columbia.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $106,454 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,170 |
| 2023 | $131,980 |
| 2024 | $137,610 |
| 2025 | $156,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $165,985 |
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 | $128,170 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $131,980 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $137,610 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $156,590 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $165,985 | $113,071 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $123,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $156,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $180,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,700 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Software Engineer ($156,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in DC | $195,190 | +24.7% | $93.84/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in DC | $163,360 | +4.3% | $78.54/hr |
| Database Administrator in DC | $150,010 | -4.2% | $72.12/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in DC | $144,190 | -7.9% | $69.32/hr |
| Statistician in DC | $140,670 | -10.2% | $67.63/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in DC | $137,670 | -12.1% | $66.19/hr |
| Software Developer in DC | $136,880 | -12.6% | $65.81/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in DC | $135,090 | -13.7% | $64.95/hr |
| Data Scientist in DC | $126,490 | -19.2% | $60.81/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in DC | $116,820 | -25.4% | $56.16/hr |
| Web Developer in DC | $114,690 | -26.8% | $55.14/hr |
| Network Administrator in DC | $110,970 | -29.1% | $53.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Washington DC?
- Software engineers in Washington DC earn a median salary of $156,590 per year, or $75 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 46.8% premium for working in the DC area.
What is the salary range for software engineers in District of Columbia?
- The salary range for software engineers in DC spans from $87,400 at the lower end to $207,700 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, and company type.
Is software engineer pay in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, software engineers in Washington DC earn 46.8% more than the national average, with a median of $156,590 compared to the national median. This makes DC one of the most lucrative markets for software engineering talent.
How many software engineers work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 17,200 software engineers employed in the District of Columbia. This substantial workforce reflects the region's strong tech industry presence.