As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Engineer in the United States is $79,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Entry Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Engineer'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 Entry Engineer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Engineer | 0-2 years | $79,676 |
| Intermediate Engineer | 2-4 years | $92,141 |
| Senior Engineer | 4-7 years | $110,759 |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | 7+ years | $140,142 |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $161,850 |
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 Entry Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.26% |
| Carpentry | 2.27% |
| Python | 1.69% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
JavaScript
|
$88,467 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$88,467 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$87,670 |
10%
|
|
Python
|
$86,873 |
9%
|
|
Linux
|
$86,873 |
9%
|
|
Java
|
$86,873 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 Entry Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $72,996 and $76,139).
Entry Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 5.4% |
| Associates | 6.4% |
| Bachelors | 57.2% |
| Masters | 26.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.9% |
Understanding how an Entry Engineer'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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Engineer, 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 II | $95,700 | 20% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $72,601 | -9% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 20% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 16% |
Salaries for an Entry Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A good entry-level salary in the US typically ranges from $72,200 to $84,000 annually, with a midpoint of $77,500. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the average hourly pay of $16.02, which translates to about $33,000 annually. The salary data indicates a stronger earning potential for entry-level engineers.
The lowest salary for an Entry Engineer in the U.S. is approximately $72,200. The average salary is around $77,500, with top earners making up to $84,000 annually. This data reflects the current market for entry-level engineering positions, highlighting a competitive salary range for new professionals in the field.
An entry-level salary of $80,000 is above the typical range for this position. With a minimum salary of $72,200, a mid-range of $77,500, and a maximum of $84,000, earning $80,000 is quite favorable. It reflects a strong start for professionals entering the field, providing a solid foundation for future growth.
A beginner engineer in the USA typically earns between $72,200 and $84,000 annually, with a median salary of around $77,500. This range can vary based on the specific engineering discipline and location, but these figures provide a general overview of entry-level compensation in the field.
Salary negotiation is a valuable skill for entry-level candidates to exercise. While asking for more money can feel uncomfortable, it's important to know that entry-level salaries typically range from $72,200 to $84,000. Negotiating can lead to a higher pay within this range, reflecting your skills and hardworking attitude. Overcoming discomfort can yield gratifying results.
Yes, but not all entry-level engineers will reach that level of compensation. For instance, entry engineers typically earn between $72,200 and $84,000, with a mid-salary of $77,500. To achieve higher earnings, one might consider joining a high-growth company early on, where equity can significantly boost overall compensation if the company succeeds.
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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