As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation in the United States is $123,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Engineer, Specialist - Transportation Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $133,000 | $11,083 | $2,558 | $64 |
| Average | $123,100 | $10,258 | $2,367 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,700 | $9,558 | $2,206 | $55 |
An Engineer, Specialist - Transportation's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.22% |
| AutoCAD | 1.94% |
| Programming | 1.28% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Software Development | $142,796 | |
| Laundry | $136,641 | |
| Systems Engineering | $136,641 |
Engineer, Specialist - Transportation salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,569. While startup companies pay approximate $116,370.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $116,370 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $123,073 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $132,841 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $137,569 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineer, Specialist - Transportations enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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, Specialist - Transportation with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $113,588 and $119,870).
| Typical Education for Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 51.3% |
| Associates | 2.6% |
| Bachelors | 51.3% |
| Masters | 38.5% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
Understanding how an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $133,000 | $11,083 | $2,558 | $64 |
| Average | $123,100 | $10,258 | $2,367 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,700 | $9,558 | $2,206 | $55 |
Next Role
Advancement
For an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Civil Infrastructure Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $148,090 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $128,793 in 2023 to around $128,292 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineer, Specialist - Transportation salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $128,793 |
| 2024 | $128,843 |
| 2025 | $128,292 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineer, Specialist - Transportation roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The highest paid transportation job is often a Specialist in Transportation, with a salary range from $108,700 to $127,000. The average salary for this role is approximately $120,700. Other high-paying positions in the field include supply chain senior manager and logistics specialist, which also offer competitive compensation.
Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week, though deadlines may require longer hours. The salary for a Specialist in Transportation ranges from $108,700 to $127,000, with a mid-salary of $120,700. Engineering students also have busy schedules, and most engineers are employed in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants.
Becoming a freight train engineer typically takes several years of experience as a conductor, followed by an additional five to six months of on-the-job training for certification. The salary for this role ranges from a minimum of $108,700 to a mid-level of $120,700, with a maximum of $127,000, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.
The salary range for an Engineer, Specialist - Transportation at the U.S. Department of Transportation is between $108,700 and $127,000, with a mid-salary of $120,700. This reflects a competitive compensation structure, significantly above the national average for government employees and other federal agencies.
U.S. Department of Transportation has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on over 289 reviews left anonymously by employees. 83% of employees would recommend working there, and 75% have a positive outlook for the business. Salaries for positions like Engineer and Specialist - Transportation range from $108,700 to $127,000, with a mid-salary of $120,700.
In 2024, several engineering careers are in high demand, including IT engineering, biomedical engineering, and civil engineering. Specialists in transportation also play a crucial role, with salaries ranging from $108,700 to $127,000. As industries evolve, skills in renewable energy and cybersecurity are increasingly sought after, making these fields promising for future job seekers.
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