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Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer in the United States is $86,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,766
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,100 to $94,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,996

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salaries

An Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Geotechnical Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $95,300.
  • California: $95,000.
  • Massachusetts: $93,700.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineers

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: $108,600
  • San Francisco: $107,400
  • Oakland: $105,100

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Consulting (Mentioned in 12.05% Job Postings): Providing technical or business expertise and advice to internal or external clients.
  • Engineering Services (Mentioned in 3.44% Job Postings): Engineering services" means any service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences
  • Geotechnical Design (Mentioned in 1.89% Job Postings): Geotechnical Design the inclusive investigation of subsurface soil/rock/water conditions, the analysis of the soil structure interaction between these conditions and proposed engineered structures, and the design of a functional structure(s).
Skills Demand Percentage
Consulting 12.05%
Engineering Services 3.44%
Geotechnical Design 1.89%

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 Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer's salary.

  • Project Design: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Technical Excellence: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Design $102,459
19%
Critical Thinking $100,737
17%
Technical Excellence $97,293
13%

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,409. While startup companies pay approximate $79,244.

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $79,244
Growth Stage 51~500 $83,752
Established 501~5000 $90,264
Enterprise 5000+ $93,409

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer 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 Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$103,320$50.020%
Construction$94,710$46.010%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $76,666 and $82,390).

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 32.9%
High School 59.8%
Associates 7.3%
Bachelors 32.9%
Masters 59.8%
Doctorate 7.3%

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate Geotechnical 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 September 01, 2026
$76,100
Average $86,100/year
$94,300
$6,342
Average $7,175/month
$7,858
$1,463
Average $1,656/week
$1,813
$37
Average $41/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $94,300 $7,858 $1,813 $45
Average $86,100 $7,175 $1,656 $41
25th Percentile $76,100 $6,342 $1,463 $37

Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Geotechnical Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $110,500 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Is geotechnical engineering worth it?

Geotechnical engineering is indeed worth considering, especially with a salary range for Intermediate Geotechnical Engineers between $70,500 and $89,500. The demand for professionals in this field is increasing, leading to a projected job growth rate significantly above the national average. This makes it an opportune time to pursue a career in geotechnical engineering.

3. Can civil engineers make 100k?

While some civil engineers can earn over $100,000, the salary for an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer typically ranges from $70,500 to $89,500, with a mid-salary of $82,100. Achieving a six-figure salary may require advanced experience, specialization, or working in high-demand regions.

4. How to make money as a geotechnical engineer?

To make money as a geotechnical engineer, consider working in high-risk industries like oil and gas or mining, which offer competitive salaries ranging from $70,500 to $89,500. Gaining specialized skills and experience can further enhance your earning potential. Additionally, pursuing management or consulting roles can lead to lucrative career opportunities.

5. What is considered a mid level Engineer?

A mid-level Geotechnical Engineer typically has a salary range between $70,500 and $89,500, with an average or mid-salary around $82,100. This level of experience usually indicates several years in the field, demonstrating a solid understanding of geotechnical principles and the ability to manage projects independently.

6. What is the lowest salary of an Engineer in us?

The lowest salary for an Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer in the U.S. is $70,500. The median salary is $82,100, while the maximum salary reaches $89,500. This data reflects the typical salary range for this role, indicating a competitive compensation structure within the engineering field.

7. What type of engineer is the highest paid?

The highest-paid engineers typically include specialized roles such as Senior Geotechnical Engineers, whose salaries can exceed the maximum range of Intermediate Geotechnical Engineers. For reference, Intermediate Geotechnical Engineers earn between $70,500 and $89,500, with a mid-salary of $82,100.

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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