As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Engineer V in the United States is $161,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, a General Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level General Engineer V | $158,424 |
| Intermediate Level General Engineer V | $159,066 |
| Senior Level General Engineer V | $159,323 |
| Specialist Level General Engineer V | $160,606 |
| Expert Level General Engineer V | $164,287 |
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%
|
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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a General Engineer V, 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 VI | $199,600 | 23% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI | $199,300 | 23% |
| General Engineer VI | $187,100 | 16% |
| GNC Engineer VI | $212,100 | 31% |
Salaries 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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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for General Engineer V and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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 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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