As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Engineer in the United States is $92,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, an Intermediate Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate Engineer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Engineer | 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 Intermediate Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.97% |
| Linux | 2.02% |
| Agile | 1.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
JavaScript
|
$102,342 |
11%
|
|
Java
|
$100,498 |
9%
|
|
AWS
|
$99,576 |
8%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$98,654 |
7%
|
|
Oracle
|
$98,654 |
7%
|
|
Agile
|
$98,654 |
7%
|
Intermediate Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $103,213. While startup companies pay approximate $87,315.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $87,315 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $92,346 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $99,670 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $103,213 |
For Intermediate Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 26% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $103,264 | $50.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $103,264 | $50.0 | 12% |
| Software & Networking | $103,264 | $50.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $102,342 | $49.0 | 11% |
| Energy & Utilities | $99,576 | $48.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Engineers 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 Intermediate Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $86,019 and $89,949).
Intermediate Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 3.5% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 46.9% |
| Masters | 38.9% |
| Doctorate | 6.8% |
Understanding how an Intermediate Engineer'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 Intermediate Engineer, 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 III | $110,800 | 20% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer III | $110,740 | 20% |
| Senior Engineer | $110,800 | 20% |
| GNC Engineer III | $115,900 | 26% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,246 in 2023 to around $98,381 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $99,246 |
| 2024 | $99,149 |
| 2025 | $98,381 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.
The lowest salary for an Intermediate Engineer in the US is $83,600. This figure represents the minimum salary for this role, while the mid-range salary is $90,400, and the maximum salary can reach up to $98,100.
Intermediate Engineers in the US earn a salary range of $83,600 to $98,100, with a mid-salary of $90,400. While Python software engineers can earn significantly more, Intermediate Engineers play a crucial role in development, contributing to various projects and technologies. Their skills are essential in the tech industry.
While many engineering jobs can offer competitive salaries, the average salary for an Intermediate Engineer ranges from $83,600 to $98,100. Positions like Software Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Data Engineer typically fall within this range. For roles paying $200k, consider senior or specialized positions that require extensive experience and expertise.
A senior developer typically has extensive experience managing large, complex projects and leading teams, while an intermediate developer, earning between $83,600 and $98,100, is often focused on skill development and contributing to smaller projects. The intermediate role serves as a bridge to more advanced responsibilities.
While it's possible for some engineers to earn high salaries, the typical range for an Intermediate Engineer is between $83,600 and $98,100 annually. Achieving a 7-figure salary is rare and usually reserved for top-tier engineers or founders. Generally, working at a large company may offer more financial stability than starting a startup.
The highest paying jobs in the world often include roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and corporate executives, with salaries significantly exceeding the average. For example, an Intermediate Engineer can expect a salary range from $83,600 to $98,100, with a midpoint of $90,400, reflecting the competitive nature of engineering roles in various industries.
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.)
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