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Entry Level Project Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Level Project Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Project Engineer in the United States is $86,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

However, an Entry Level Project Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,385
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $77,401 to $94,101
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,480
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Level Project Engineer Salaries

An Entry Level Project 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.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Level Project Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Project 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:

  • Entry Level Project Engineer (0-2 years): $86,096
  • Engineering Program/Project Management II (2-4 years): $98,054
  • Engineering Program/Project Management III (4-7 years): $116,887
  • Engineering Program/Project Management IV (7+ years): $133,699
  • Engineering Program/Project Management V (7-10 years): $156,882
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Level Project Engineer0-2 years$86,096
Engineering Program/Project Management II2-4 years$98,054
Engineering Program/Project Management III4-7 years$116,887
Engineering Program/Project Management IV7+ years$133,699
Engineering Program/Project Management V7-10 years$156,882
View as Graph

How Do Entry Level Project Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Project Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $95,401.
  • California: $95,001.
  • Massachusetts: $93,701.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Level Project Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $108,601
  • San Francisco: $107,501
  • Oakland: $105,201

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Level Project Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Project Management (Mentioned in 7.18% Job Postings): Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.
  • Cost Control (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Managing and analyzing financial data in determining and reducing business expenses to increase revenue and profitability.
  • Project Engineering (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): Project engineering includes all parts of the design of manufacturing or processing facilities, either new or modifications to and expansions of existing facilities. A "project" consists of a coordinated series of activities or tasks performed by engineers, designers, drafters and others from one or more engineering disciplines or departments. Project tasks consist of such things as performing calculations, writing specifications, preparing bids, reviewing equipment proposals and evaluating or selecting equipment and preparing various lists, such as equipment and materials lists, and creating drawings such as electrical, piping and instrumentation diagrams, physical layouts and other drawings used in design and construction. A small project may be under the direction of a project engineer. Large projects are typically under the direction of a project manager or management team. Some facilities have in house staff to handle small projects, while some major companies have a department that does internal project engineering. Large projects are typically contracted out to engineering companies. Staffing at engineering companies varies according to the work load and duration of employment may only last until an individual's tasks are completed.
Skills Demand Percentage
Project Management 7.18%
Cost Control 1.97%
Project Engineering 1.17%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 Level Project Engineer's salary.

  • Earned Value Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Land Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Earned Value Management $91,267
6%
Land Development $90,406
5%
Consulting $90,406
5%
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Entry Level Project Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Level Project Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,221. While startup companies pay approximate $81,394.

Entry Level Project Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $81,394
Growth Stage 51~500 $86,082
Established 501~5000 $92,914
Enterprise 5000+ $96,221

Entry Level Project Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Level Project Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Project Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Project Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Level Project Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$111,931$54.030%
Software & Networking$111,931$54.030%
Financial Services$107,626$52.025%
Energy & Utilities$103,321$50.020%
Internet$103,321$50.020%

How Education impacts an Entry Level Project Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Project Engineers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Project Engineer with a No Diploma is between $75,701 and $79,650).

Entry Level Project Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Level Project Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.4%
High School 73.6%
Associates 1.4%
Bachelors 73.6%
Masters 25.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Entry Level Project Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Level Project 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 September 01, 2026
$77,401
Average $86,101/year
$94,101
$6,450
Average $7,175/month
$7,842
$1,488
Average $1,656/week
$1,810
$37
Average $41/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $94,101 $7,842 $1,810 $45
Average $86,101 $7,175 $1,656 $41
25th Percentile $77,401 $6,450 $1,488 $37

Entry Level Project Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Entry Level Project Engineer

Next Role

Advancement

For an Entry Level Project Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Program/Project Management II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,100 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Entry Level Project Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Level Project Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Entry Level Project Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Level Project Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Level Project Engineer?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Project Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Is 80k a good entry-level salary?

An entry-level salary of $80,000 is quite competitive, as it falls between the minimum salary of $76,501 and the mid-salary of $82,901 for a Project Engineer. While it may not be considered rich, it is a strong starting point for many professionals entering the field, offering a solid foundation for career growth.

3. What is the highest paying project engineer?

The highest paying project engineer role is the Senior Project Engineer, with an annual salary of $114,766. In comparison, entry-level project engineers earn between $76,501 and $94,101, with a mid-salary of $82,901. Other related roles include Materials and Process Engineer at $92,639 and Mechanical and Project Engineer at $92,358.

4. Is engineer 1 entry level?

Yes, Engineer I is classified as an entry-level position. The salary for an Entry Level Project Engineer typically ranges from $76,501 to $94,101, with a midpoint of $82,901. This reflects the starting compensation for individuals beginning their careers in engineering roles.

5. Can I negotiate my entry-level salary?

Salary negotiation is a valuable skill for entry-level candidates to exercise. While asking for more money can feel uncomfortable, it can lead to a gratifying payoff. For an Entry Level Project Engineer, salaries range from $76,501 to $94,101, with a midpoint of $82,901. Overcoming discomfort in negotiation can result in higher pay for your skills and hard work.

6. Is Project Engineer a good career?

Becoming a project engineer is a great option for those who enjoy both the overarching technical aspects and design of a project and the hands-on work of getting that project done. With an entry-level salary ranging from $76,501 to $94,101, this career offers competitive compensation and opportunities for growth in the engineering field.

7. What salary should I ask for entry level engineer?

For an entry-level project engineer, you should consider asking for a salary between $76,501 and $94,101 annually. The average salary in this range is approximately $82,901. This aligns with industry standards and reflects your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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