As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an EE III in the United States is $120,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an EE III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An EE III'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an EE III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| EE I | 0-2 years | $81,907 |
| EE II | 2-4 years | $99,283 |
| EE III | 4-7 years | $120,759 |
| EE IV | 7+ years | $143,787 |
| EE V | 7-10 years | $166,821 |
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 EE IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.98% |
| Installation | 2.94% |
| CAD | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$125,632 |
4%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$124,424 |
3%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$124,424 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$124,424 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$123,216 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$123,216 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many EE IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an EE III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $111,652 and $116,878).
EE III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 1.2% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 41.0% |
| Doctorate | 14.2% |
Understanding how an EE III'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an EE III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer IV | $147,100 | 22% |
| EE IV | $143,800 | 19% |
| Electronics Design Engineer IV | $143,800 | 19% |
| RF Engineer IV | $143,800 | 19% |
Salaries for an EE III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $132,695 in 2023 to around $126,209 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of EE III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $132,695 |
| 2024 | $132,076 |
| 2025 | $126,209 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for EE III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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