As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineer - Expert/Consultant in the United States is $161,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, an Engineer - Expert/Consultant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineer - Expert/Consultant'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 Engineer - Expert/Consultant'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Engineer | 4-7 years | $110,765 |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | 7+ years | $140,138 |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $161,856 |
| General Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $187,063 |
| General Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $86,006 |
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 Engineer - Expert/Consultants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.06% |
| AWS | 2.1% |
| AutoCAD | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$171,614 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$169,995 |
5%
|
|
Team Development
|
$168,376 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$168,376 |
4%
|
|
Software Development
|
$168,376 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$168,376 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineer - Expert/Consultants 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 Engineer - Expert/Consultant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $157,776 and $166,028).
Engineer - Expert/Consultant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 2.3% |
| Bachelors | 33.6% |
| Masters | 43.0% |
| Doctorate | 17.9% |
Understanding how an Engineer - Expert/Consultant'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 February 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineer - Expert/Consultant, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer VI | $199,600 | 23% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI | $199,200 | 23% |
| General Engineer VI | $187,100 | 16% |
| GNC Engineer VI | $212,100 | 31% |
Salaries for an Engineer - Expert/Consultant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,567 in 2023 to around $154,172 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineer - Expert/Consultant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $159,567 |
| 2024 | $156,522 |
| 2025 | $154,172 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Yes, most engineers do make six figures. For expert or consultant engineers, salaries range from a minimum of $151,800 to a maximum of $181,900, with a mid-salary of $166,500. This significantly exceeds the median annual wage for all occupations, highlighting the lucrative nature of engineering careers.
Consulting engineers in the US typically earn between $151,800 and $181,900, with a median salary of around $166,500. This range reflects the expertise and experience level of the engineers, with higher salaries often associated with specialized skills and consulting roles.
Consultants typically oversee entire projects, coordinating teams and managing timelines, while engineers concentrate on their specific tasks and team progress. In terms of salary, an Engineer - Expert/Consultant can expect a minimum of $151,800, a mid-range of $166,500, and a maximum of $181,900, reflecting the higher responsibility and expertise associated with consulting roles.
Salaries for expert consultants in the United States are notably high, with a minimum salary of $151,800, a mid-range salary of $166,500, and a maximum salary reaching $181,900. Other developed countries like Canada, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, and Switzerland also offer competitive salaries, but the U.S. remains at the top.
For engineering consulting, you should consider charging between $151,800 and $181,900 annually, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $73 to $87, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek. Many consultants charge between $100-$250 per hour, while others may charge higher rates based on expertise and project complexity.
An engineering consultant provides expertise and guidance to businesses on engineering projects, advising clients on how to best meet their design and construction demands. With salaries ranging from $151,800 to $181,900, these professionals leverage their extensive knowledge to enhance project outcomes and ensure compliance with industry standards.
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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