As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Technologist I in the United States is $53,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, an Engineering Technologist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineering Technologist 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 an Engineering Technologist 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Engineering Technologist I | $53,064 |
| Intermediate Level Engineering Technologist I | $53,555 |
| Senior Level Engineering Technologist I | $54,719 |
| Specialist Level Engineering Technologist I | $54,952 |
| Expert Level Engineering Technologist I | $55,107 |
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 Engineering Technologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Engineering Technologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,727. While startup companies pay approximate $50,512.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $50,512 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $53,424 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $57,678 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $59,727 |
For Engineering Technologist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 145% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Engineering Technologist positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineering Technologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $85,440 | $41.0 | 60% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $80,100 | $39.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $77,430 | $37.0 | 45% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,760 | $36.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $72,090 | $35.0 | 35% |
Understanding how an Engineering Technologist 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, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineering Technologist I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| BIM Design Engineer II | $86,100 | 61% |
| Engineering Technologist II | $58,200 | 9% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Engineering Technologist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineering Technologist I roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
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