As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Software Engineer in Washington, DC is $122,724 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Research Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Software Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Software Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $77,979 |
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $96,945 |
| Research ... Level Research Software Engineer | $123,651 |
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $148,449 |
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $142,346 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.39% |
| Technical Writing | 2.07% |
| Sample Collection | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$160,769 |
31%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$130,088 |
6%
|
|
Microsoft Word
|
$128,861 |
5%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$128,861 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$128,861 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$127,633 |
4%
|
For Research Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Research Software Engineer positions in Construction or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $134,997 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $128,861 | $62.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Research Software Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Research Software Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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