As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a General Engineer V in the United States is $78, which translates to an annual salary of about $161,890.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A General Engineer V'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 V'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Engineer | 4-7 years | $110,740 |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | 7+ years | $140,152 |
| General Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,832 |
| General Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $187,046 |
| General Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $85,953 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.06% |
| AWS | 2.1% |
| AutoCAD | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$171,603 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$169,985 |
5%
|
|
Team Development
|
$168,366 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$168,366 |
4%
|
|
Software Development
|
$168,366 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$168,366 |
4%
|
General Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $181,073. While startup companies pay approximate $153,133.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $153,133 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $161,962 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $174,860 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $181,073 |
For General Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, General Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $194,268 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $194,268 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $194,268 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $194,268 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $194,268 | $93.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a General Engineer V'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a General Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,567 in 2023 to around $154,172 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $159,567 |
| 2024 | $156,522 |
| 2025 | $154,172 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for General Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Yes, engineers are paid well in the US. For General Engineers, salaries range from a minimum of $151,790 to a maximum of $181,890, with a median salary of $166,490. This is significantly higher than the overall median annual wage for all occupations, which stands at $48,060.
The highest-paid engineering role in the USA is the General Engineer, with a salary range from $151,790 to $181,890. The median salary for this position is approximately $166,490, making it one of the top engineering jobs in terms of compensation.
A General Engineer in the U.S. Army can expect a salary range from $151,790 to $181,890, with a mid-salary of around $166,490. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, significantly higher than the average yearly pay of $110,130 reported for similar positions.
While many engineering roles can offer competitive salaries, the typical salary range for a General Engineer is between $151,790 and $181,890. Positions that may approach or exceed $200,000 include specialized roles such as Communications Research Engineer, Nuclear Safety Engineer, and Thermal Engineer. Consider enhancing your skills to increase your earning potential in these fields.
A V engineer is responsible for setting up, configuring, and maintaining audiovisual systems, including cameras, lighting, microphones, and control systems for broadcasts and communications. The salary for a General Engineer in this field ranges from $151,790 to $181,890, with a mid-range salary of $166,490.
Verification and Validation (V&V) are independent procedures used together to ensure that a product, service, or system meets its requirements and specifications, fulfilling its intended purpose. In the context of a General Engineer, this role typically commands a salary ranging from $151,790 to $181,890, with a midpoint of $166,490.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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