As of October 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:
Entry Geotechnical Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $81,600 | $6,800 | $1,569 | $39 |
| Average | $74,100 | $6,175 | $1,425 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,000 | $5,583 | $1,288 | $32 |
An Entry Geotechnical Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 11.03% |
| Laboratory Testing | 3.18% |
| AutoCAD | 1.87% |
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 Entry Geotechnical Engineer's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Knowledge | $84,474 | |
| Consultancy | $82,251 | |
| Technical Skills | $80,769 |
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 $80,330. While startup companies pay approximate $68,219.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,219 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,083 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $77,622 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $80,330 |
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).
| Typical Education for Entry Geotechnical Engineer | |
|---|---|
| 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $81,600 | $6,800 | $1,569 | $39 |
| Average | $74,100 | $6,175 | $1,425 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,000 | $5,583 | $1,288 | $32 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Geotechnical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Drilling Engineer II | $137,300 | 85% |
| Intermediate Reservoir Engineer | $163,400 | 121% |
| Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer | $86,100 | 16% |
| Mine Planning Engineer II | $94,600 | 28% |
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 |
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Geotechnical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.
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