As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer in the United States is $74,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level 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 Level 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer | $73,664 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer | $74,422 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer | $76,079 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer | $76,410 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer | $76,631 |
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 Level Geotechnical Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level 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 Level Geotechnical Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,801 and $74,302.
Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 33.9% |
| Masters | 57.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.4% |
Understanding how an Entry Level 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for an Entry Level 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 Level Geotechnical Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $84,095 |
| 2024 | $81,116 |
| 2025 | $77,622 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $74,101 | 70.1% |
| Bonus | $2,000 | 1.9% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $5,822 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $3,577 | 3.4% |
| Disability | $609 | 0.6% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 5.7% |
| Pension | $4,186 | 4.0% |
| Time Off | $9,366 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $105,716 | 100% |
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The richest engineering field often includes Petroleum Engineers, who focus on extracting oil and gas. Entry Level Geotechnical Engineers earn between $67,801 and $79,501, with a mid-salary of $74,601. Other high-paying fields include Nuclear and Aerospace Engineering, but Petroleum Engineering typically offers the highest salaries.
Geotechnical engineers earn varying salaries based on location and experience. For entry-level positions, salaries range from $67,801 to $79,501, with a median of $74,601. While cities like Los Angeles and Denver offer higher salaries, entry-level engineers can expect to earn around $74,185 in Knoxville, TN, reflecting the regional differences in pay.
One of the most famous geotechnical engineers is Karl von Terzaghi, often referred to as the father of soil mechanics. His contributions to the field have been foundational. For entry-level geotechnical engineers today, salaries typically range from $67,801 to $79,501, with a mid-salary of $74,601, reflecting the growing importance of this discipline.
As of January 23, 2025, the average annual salary for an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer in the United States ranges from $67,801 to $79,501, with a mid-salary of $74,601. This translates to approximately $32.54 to $38.19 per hour, or about $1,304 to $1,528 per week, and $5,650 to $6,610 per month.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.5% employment growth for civil engineers between 2023 and 2033, with an estimated 22,100 jobs opening up. Entry-level geotechnical engineers can expect salaries ranging from $67,801 to $79,501, with a median salary of $74,601. Civil engineers play a crucial role in designing infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, and roads.
Geotechnical engineering is in high demand, with a projected job growth rate significantly above the national average. Entry-level geotechnical engineers can expect salaries ranging from $67,801 to $79,501, with a median salary of $74,601. The global geotechnical engineering market, valued at $2.4 billion in 2022, is anticipated to reach $4.5 billion by 2032.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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