As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Program/Project Management III in the United States is $116,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, an Engineering Program/Project Management III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Engineering Program/Project Management III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $129,000 | $10,750 | $2,481 | $62 |
| Average | $116,900 | $9,742 | $2,248 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,100 | $9,008 | $2,079 | $52 |
An Engineering Program/Project Management 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 Engineering Program/Project Management 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Program/Project Management I | 0-2 years | $86,096 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management II | 2-4 years | $98,054 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management III | 4-7 years | $116,887 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management IV | 7+ years | $133,699 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management V | 7-10 years | $156,882 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.16% |
| Cost Control | 2.18% |
| Work Breakdown Structure | 1.1% |
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 Engineering Program/Project Management III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Program Management | $120,407 | |
| Risk Management | $119,238 | |
| Earned Value Management | $119,238 |
Engineering Program/Project Management III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $130,641. While startup companies pay approximate $110,509.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $110,509 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $116,874 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $126,150 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $130,641 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineering Program/Project Management IIIs enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Engineering Program/Project Management III with a No Diploma is between $112,363 and $119,057).
| Typical Education for Engineering Program/Project Management III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 72.7% |
| High School | 25.0% |
| Associates | 2.3% |
| Bachelors | 72.7% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 2.3% |
Understanding how an Engineering Program/Project Management 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $129,000 | $10,750 | $2,481 | $62 |
| Average | $116,900 | $9,742 | $2,248 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,100 | $9,008 | $2,079 | $52 |
Next Role
Advancement
For an Engineering Program/Project Management III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Program/Project Management IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $133,700 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for an Engineering Program/Project Management III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $114,389 in 2023 to around $114,523 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Program/Project Management III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $114,389 |
| 2024 | $115,511 |
| 2025 | $114,523 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineering Program/Project Management III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Engineering project managers typically earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $109,100, a mid-range of $120,800, and a maximum of $135,300. Other high-paying roles include marketing project managers, project management consultants, construction project managers, and PMO managers. These positions often offer lucrative compensation packages.
Engineering project managers typically earn between $109,100 and $135,300, with a median salary of $120,800. They generally earn more than entry-level engineers but less than senior engineers or managers. However, their earning potential often surpasses that of other project managers, reflecting their specialized skills and responsibilities.
Project engineers can earn competitive salaries, with a range typically between $109,100 and $135,300 annually. While cities like Los Angeles and Seattle report salaries around $94,940 and $93,449 respectively, the overall salary range for project engineers indicates that higher earnings are achievable in various locations across the United States.
In the engineering field, program managers typically earn higher salaries than project managers. Based on recent data, the salary range for engineering program/project management is as follows: MinSalary: $109,100, MidSalary: $120,800, and MaxSalary: $135,300. This indicates that program managers generally receive better compensation due to their experience and responsibilities.
Engineering project management is a promising career choice, offering diverse opportunities across industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering consultancy. With a salary range from $109,100 to $135,300, and a median salary of $120,800, professionals in this field can enjoy a lucrative income while contributing to impactful projects.
The Project Engineer III plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of project technical deliverables. This position involves collaboration with chief engineers, subsystem technical leads, engineering functional managers, and project managers. The salary for this role typically ranges from $109,100 to $135,300, with a midpoint of $120,800, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.
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