As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Chief Engineer in District of Columbia is $328,190, equivalent to $158 per hour, $6,311 weekly, or $27,349 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Chief Engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Chief Engineer in District of Columbia vary widely, spanning from $267,998 to $367,198. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($296,683) and 75th percentile ($348,608), while top earners (90th percentile) make $367,198 per year. This $51,925 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Leadership or Housekeeping, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Chief Engineer often earn 10.7% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 73 companies. However, District of Columbia currently ranks 1 nationwide for Chief Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Chief Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Chief Engineer Salary $267,998 DC August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Chief Engineer Salary $296,683 DC August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Chief Engineer Salary $328,190 DC August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Chief Engineer Salary $348,608 DC August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Chief Engineer Salary $367,198 DC August 01, 2026
25% $296,683 10% $267,998 90% $367,198 75% $348,608 $328,190 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Chief Engineer

Maritime Talent Solutions - Washington, DC

Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield - Washington, DC

Chief Engineer

Complete Building Services - Washington, DC

Chief Engineer (ACS)

Emcor Uk - Washington, DC

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What is a Chief Engineer ?

A chief engineer, commonly referred to as "ChEng" or "Chief", is the seniormost engine officer of an engine department on a ship, typically a merchant ship, and holds overall leadership and responsibility of that department. As a person who holds one of the most senior roles on the ship, he or she must have excellent communication and leadership skills. He or she will be expected to regularly work alongside other crew members and external consultants, and most importantly, provide guidance his or her team. To be a chief engineer, an engineer must attain a chief engineer's license appropriate ...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/17/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Naval Anacost Annex, DC Avg. Salary $349,706 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Parcel Return Service, DC Avg. Salary $349,719 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Washington, DC Avg. Salary $349,722 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Washington Navy Yard, DC Avg. Salary $349,719 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Job Openings for Chief Engineer in District of Columbia

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