As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Project Engineer in the United States is $86,201 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Smart Recruiting
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Project Engineer | 0-2 years | $86,110 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management II | 2-4 years | $98,048 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management III | 4-7 years | $116,840 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management IV | 7+ years | $133,667 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management V | 7-10 years | $156,882 |
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 Project Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.18% |
| Cost Control | 1.97% |
| Project Engineering | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Earned Value Management
|
$91,373 |
6%
|
|
Land Development
|
$90,511 |
5%
|
|
Consulting
|
$90,511 |
5%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$90,511 |
5%
|
|
Civil Engineering
|
$89,649 |
4%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$88,787 |
3%
|
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
| 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% |
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 March 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for an Entry Level Project Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $80,602 in 2023 to around $80,918 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Project Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $80,602 |
| 2024 | $81,576 |
| 2025 | $80,918 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Level Project Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Project Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
