As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cathodic Protection Engineer I in the United States is $93,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Cathodic Protection Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cathodic Protection Engineer I'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cathodic Protection Engineer I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cathodic Protection Engineer I | 2-4 years | $93,350 |
| Cathodic Protection Engineer II | 4-7 years | $112,541 |
| Cathodic Protection Engineer III | 7+ years | $137,020 |
| Cathodic Protection Supervisor | 7+ years | $132,354 |
| Cathodic Protection Manager | 7+ years | $169,189 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cathodic Protection Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cathodic Protection Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $108,692. While startup companies pay approximate $92,004.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $92,004 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $97,277 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $104,995 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $108,692 |
For Cathodic Protection Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Oil & Gas and Nuclear Power sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cathodic Protection Engineer positions in Research & Academia or Water & Wastewater typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cathodic Protection Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | $121,420 | $58.0 | 30% |
| Nuclear Power | $116,750 | $56.0 | 25% |
| Mining & Minerals | $112,080 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $107,410 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Petrochemical & Chemicals | $102,740 | $49.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cathodic Protection Engineer I'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 July 01, 2026For a Cathodic Protection Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cathodic Protection Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $112,600 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a Cathodic Protection Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,552 in 2023 to around $98,513 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cathodic Protection Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $100,552 |
| 2024 | $99,801 |
| 2025 | $98,513 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Oil & Gas industry offers the highest average compensation for Cathodic Protection Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The highest-paid engineering roles in the USA include various specialties, with salaries varying significantly. For instance, a Cathodic Protection Engineer has a salary range from $87,700 to $109,200, with a median salary of $98,600. This positions them among the top earners in the engineering field, reflecting the demand for their expertise.
The highest-paid engineering careers in the United States include Petroleum Engineers with a median annual salary of $137,322, followed by Aerospace Engineers at $118,602, and Nuclear Engineers at $116,147. In comparison, Cathodic Protection Engineers earn between $87,700 and $109,200, with a mid-salary of $98,600, making them competitive in the engineering field.
The salary of a Cathodic Protection Engineer in the USA ranges from $87,700 to $109,200 annually, with a median salary of $98,600. This translates to approximately $42.14 to $52.50 per hour, or $1,688 to $2,100 per week. The monthly earnings range from $7,308 to $9,100, depending on experience and location.
As of now, the salary for a Cathodic Protection Engineer in the Navy ranges from $87,700 to $109,200 annually, with a mid-range salary of $98,600. This translates to approximately $42.14 to $52.50 per hour, or about $1,688 to $2,100 per week.
Engineers typically earn between $87,700 and $109,200 annually, depending on their experience and specialization. While some roles, like senior positions or specialized fields, may offer salaries around $200,000, most engineers, including Cathodic Protection Engineers, fall within this range. Exploring advanced roles or industries may lead to higher earnings.
A cathodic protection technician is responsible for conducting annual pipe-to-soil surveys, collecting rectifier readings, troubleshooting rectifier units, and performing interference testing. They should be knowledgeable about standard construction practices for corrosion control projects and systems. The salary for this role typically ranges from $87,700 to $109,200, with a mid-point of $98,600.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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