As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Engineer I in the United States is $79,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a General Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Engineer I'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| General Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,660 |
| Intermediate Engineer | 2-4 years | $92,122 |
| Senior Engineer | 4-7 years | $110,735 |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | 7+ years | $140,155 |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $161,827 |
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 General Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.26% |
| Carpentry | 2.27% |
| Python | 1.69% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
JavaScript
|
$88,456 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$88,456 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$87,659 |
10%
|
|
Python
|
$86,862 |
9%
|
|
Linux
|
$86,862 |
9%
|
|
Java
|
$86,862 |
9%
|
General Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,208. While startup companies pay approximate $75,468.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,468 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,817 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,146 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,208 |
For General Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, General Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $99,612 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $95,628 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $91,644 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $91,644 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $87,659 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a General Engineer I'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a General Engineer I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer II | $95,700 | 20% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $73,201 | -8% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 20% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 16% |
Salaries for a General Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for General Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
While CEO positions are often considered the highest paying jobs globally, a General Engineer also commands a competitive salary. The salary range for a General Engineer typically spans from $72,190 to $83,990, with a mid-level salary around $77,490. This role involves critical responsibilities in design, development, and project management across various industries.
Yes, but not all engineers will reach that level of compensation. The average salary for a General Engineer ranges from $72,190 to $83,990, with a midpoint of $77,490. To achieve higher earnings, consider joining a high-growth company early on for equity opportunities or advancing into specialized roles or management positions.
While it's rare for engineers to make 7 figures, top-tier professionals can earn salaries exceeding $300k annually. However, the average salary for general engineers ranges from $72,190 to $83,990, with a midpoint of $77,490. Many engineers find better financial stability working for established companies rather than starting their own ventures.
Engineers can earn a competitive salary. Based on recent data, General Engineers have a minimum salary of $72,190, a mid-range salary of $77,490, and a maximum salary of $83,990. This reflects a strong earning potential compared to the median annual wage for all occupations, which is significantly lower at $48,060.
While various engineering fields offer lucrative salaries, General Engineers have a salary range with a minimum of $72,190, a mid-point of $77,490, and a maximum of $83,990. However, fields like Petroleum Engineering and Aerospace Engineering typically offer higher median salaries, making them some of the richest engineering careers.
While specialist doctors may start with a salary over three times that of engineers, engineers earn between $72,190 and $83,990 annually. From ages 22 to 42, engineers enjoy a more favorable financial position compared to specialist physicians, only falling behind in lifetime earnings after age 43.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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