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Industrial Research Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does an Industrial Research Engineer III make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Industrial Research Engineer III in the United States is $112,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

However, an Industrial Research Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $132,833
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $102,300 to $123,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,287
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View as table View as graph 25% $102,300 10% $93,287 90% $132,833 75% $123,000 $112,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Industrial Research Engineer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $123,000 $10,250 $2,365 $59
Average $112,200 $9,350 $2,158 $54
25th Percentile $102,300 $8,525 $1,967 $49
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Key Factors That Influence Industrial Research Engineer III Salaries

An Industrial Research Engineer III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Industrial Research Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Industrial Research Engineer III'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:

  • Entry Industrial Engineer (0-2 years): $77,610
  • Industrial Research Engineer II (2-4 years): $95,727
  • Industrial Research Engineer III (4-7 years): $112,131
  • Industrial Research Engineer IV (7+ years): $125,327
  • Expert Industrial Engineer (7-10 years): $147,599
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Industrial Engineer0-2 years$77,610
Industrial Research Engineer II2-4 years$95,727
Industrial Research Engineer III4-7 years$112,131
Industrial Research Engineer IV7+ years$125,327
Expert Industrial Engineer7-10 years$147,599
$77,610 Entry Ind...
$95,727 Industria...
$112,131 Industria...
$125,327 Industria...
$147,599 Expert In...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Industrial Research Engineer IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $141,500
  • San Francisco: $139,900
  • Oakland: $137,000

What Skills Can Increase an Industrial Research Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.79% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Logistics (Mentioned in 1.98% Job Postings): In a general business sense, logistics is the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requirements of customers or corporations.
  • Supply Chain (Mentioned in 1.55% Job Postings): A supply chain encompasses everything from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer through to its eventual delivery to the end user.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.79%
Logistics 1.98%
Supply Chain 1.55%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Industrial Research Engineer III's salary.
  • Azure: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • AWS: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Azure
$121,176
8%
AWS
$118,932
6%
Python
$118,932
6%
DevOps
$117,810
5%
Jenkins
$117,810
5%
Linux
$116,688
4%
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Industrial Research Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Industrial Research Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $125,601. While startup companies pay approximate $106,256.

Industrial Research Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$106,256
Growth Stage51~500$112,378
Established501~5000$121,290
Enterprise5000+$125,601

Industrial Research Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Industrial Research Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Industrial Research Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Industrial Research Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Industrial Research Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$123,420$59.010%
Biotechnology$123,420$59.010%
Business Services$123,420$59.010%
Chemicals$123,420$59.010%
Energy & Utilities$123,420$59.010%

How Education impacts an Industrial Research Engineer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Industrial Research Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Industrial Research Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $107,467 and $113,721).

Industrial Research Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Industrial Research Engineer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 0.4%
Associates 0.9%
Bachelors 44.4%
Masters 51.1%
Doctorate 3.1%
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Industrial Research Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Industrial Research Engineer III'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, 2026

Industrial Research Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Industrial Research Engineer III, 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.

Industrial Research Engineer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Commissioning & Start-up Engineer IV $119,000 6%
Industrial Research Engineer IV $125,400 12%

Salary Trends for Industrial Research Engineer III

Salaries for an Industrial Research Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,912 in 2023 to around $107,251 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Industrial Research Engineer III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Industrial Research Engineer III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$107,912
2024
$108,491
2025
$107,251
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $107,912
2024 $108,491
2025 $107,251
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Industrial Research Engineer III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Industrial Research Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Industrial Research Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Industrial Research Engineer III Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Industrial Research Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

    13 Days Ago

  • XPO

    Columbus, OH

    CDL

    XPO | Columbus, OH

    XPO is Hiring Driver Teams. XPO Teams. As an XPO Team, you’ll run dedicated routes between XPO facilities in. new sleeper. trucks equipped with microwaves ... more

    13 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

    14 Days Ago

  • Summit Recruiting Group

    Columbus, OH

    Summit Recruiting Group | Columbus, OH

    NP/PA Dermatology job opening in Columbus, OHPosition Details. Full-time, permanent opening. Experience required. Well-Established Practice. Seeking a NP/P... more

    15 Days Ago

  • Family Dollar

    Columbus, OH

    Family Dollar | Columbus, OH

    Customer Service Associate. We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties ... more

    16 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

    16 Days Ago

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FAQ about Industrial Research Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Industrial Research Engineer III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Industrial Research Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary in R&D?

The highest salary that an Industrial Research Engineer can earn is $125,700 per year, which translates to approximately $10,475 per month.

3. Can you make 300k a year as an engineer?

While the salary range for an Industrial Research Engineer typically falls between $102,200 and $125,700, reaching $300,000 a year is unlikely without significant experience, advanced degrees, or specialized roles. Advanced positions in high-demand fields may offer higher salaries, but they are not the norm for this role.

4. How much do L3 engineers make in the US?

As of January 23, 2025, the salary for an Industrial Research Engineer in the United States ranges from $102,200 to $125,700 annually, with a mid-salary of $113,300. This translates to approximately $49.10 to $60.49 per hour, or $1,935 to $2,356 per week, and $8,370 to $10,188 per month.

5. Is L3 a senior engineer?

L3 is considered a Senior Engineer. At this level, engineers are expected to have advanced skills beyond L2, including specialization in a specific domain and the ability to effectively apply their knowledge. The salary range for an Industrial Research Engineer at this level typically falls between $102,200 and $125,700, with a mid-salary of $113,300.

6. How much does a research engineer earn in Apple?

A research engineer at Apple typically earns between $102,200 and $125,700, with a mid-salary of $113,300. This range reflects the competitive compensation for industrial research engineers in the tech industry, highlighting the value placed on their expertise and contributions.

7. What engineers make 200k a year?

Engineers typically earn between $102,200 and $125,700 annually, depending on their experience and specialization. While some positions may offer salaries around $200k, they are often in high-demand fields or require advanced expertise. Roles like AI Software Engineer or specialized Mechanical Engineers may approach or exceed this figure in certain markets.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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