As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Geotechnical Engineer in the United States is $74,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Geotechnical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical Engineer | 0-2 years | $74,077 |
| Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer | 2-4 years | $86,022 |
| Senior Geotechnical Engineer | 4-7 years | $110,400 |
| Expert Geotechnical Engineer | 7+ years | $127,828 |
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 Geotechnical Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 11.03% |
| Laboratory Testing | 3.18% |
| AutoCAD | 1.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Industry Knowledge
|
$84,474 |
14%
|
|
Consultancy
|
$82,251 |
11%
|
|
Technical Skills
|
$80,769 |
9%
|
|
Presentation
|
$79,287 |
7%
|
|
Business Development
|
$78,546 |
6%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$78,546 |
6%
|
Entry Geotechnical Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,481. While startup companies pay approximate $68,257.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,257 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,143 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $77,778 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $80,481 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Geotechnical Engineers 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 Entry Geotechnical Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,800 and $74,301).
Entry Geotechnical Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 33.9% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 33.9% |
| Masters | 57.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.4% |
Understanding how an Entry Geotechnical 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 June 01, 2026For an Entry Geotechnical Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $86,100 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for an Entry Geotechnical Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,095 in 2023 to around $77,622 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Geotechnical Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $84,095 |
| 2024 | $81,116 |
| 2025 | $77,622 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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As of now, the salary for an Entry Geotechnical Engineer in the United States ranges from $67,800 to $79,500 annually, with a median salary of $74,600. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, offering a solid starting point for new professionals entering the industry.
The richest engineering field often includes Petroleum Engineers, who focus on extracting oil and gas. Entry-level Geotechnical Engineers earn between $67,800 and $79,500, with a median salary of $74,600. Other high-paying fields include Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the engineering sector.
To make money as a geotechnical engineer, consider working in high-risk industries such as oil and gas or mining, which offer competitive salaries ranging from $67,800 to $79,500. Gaining specialized skills and experience can further enhance your earning potential. Additionally, pursuing management or consulting roles can lead to lucrative career opportunities.
Entry-level Geotechnical Engineers in the USA earn between $67,800 and $79,500 annually, with a median salary of $74,600. This range reflects the starting salaries for those entering the field, providing a competitive compensation compared to other engineering disciplines.
Geotechnical engineering is challenging due to the need to analyze complex soil and rock behaviors, assess site conditions, and predict potential hazards. This unpredictability makes the role both demanding and intriguing. Entry-level geotechnical engineers can expect salaries ranging from $67,800 to $79,500, reflecting the expertise required in this vital field.
A good entry-level salary for a Geotechnical Engineer typically ranges from $67,800 to $79,500 annually, with a midpoint of $74,600. This is significantly higher than many other entry-level positions, reflecting the specialized skills and knowledge required in this field.
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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