As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Industrial Research Engineer I in Orlean, VA is $77,870 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Industrial Research Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Industrial Research 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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Industrial Research 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Research Engineer I | 0-2 years | $77,863 |
| Industrial Research Engineer II | 2-4 years | $96,039 |
| Industrial Research Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,497 |
| Industrial Research Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,736 |
| Expert Industrial Engineer | 7-10 years | $148,080 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.85% |
| Linux | 1.95% |
| Supply Chain | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Azure
|
$86,436 |
11%
|
|
DevOps
|
$85,657 |
10%
|
|
Agile
|
$84,878 |
9%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$83,321 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$82,542 |
6%
|
|
Python
|
$81,764 |
5%
|
Industrial Research Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $87,171. While startup companies pay approximate $73,745.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $73,745 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $77,994 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $84,179 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $87,171 |
For Industrial Research Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Industrial Research Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Industrial Research Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $116,805 | $56.0 | 50% |
Understanding how an Industrial Research 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 an Industrial Research 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioning & Start-up Engineer II | $95,700 | 23% |
| Industrial Research Engineer II | $96,100 | 23% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Industrial Research Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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