As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Modeling & Simulation Engineer I in the United States is $78,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Modeling & Simulation Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
Recruit with AI
A Modeling & Simulation 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Modeling & Simulation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Modeling & Simulation Engineer I | 0-2 years | $78,368 |
| Modeling & Simulation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $93,770 |
| Modeling & Simulation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $118,657 |
| Modeling & Simulation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $144,555 |
| Modeling & Simulation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $173,921 |
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 Modeling & Simulation Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Modeling & Simulation 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 April 01, 2026For a Modeling & Simulation Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Modeling & Simulation Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,800 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Modeling & Simulation Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,352 in 2023 to around $79,828 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Modeling & Simulation Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,352 |
| 2024 | $80,854 |
| 2025 | $79,828 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Modeling & Simulation Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Modeling & Simulation Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Modeling & Simulation Engineers can expect competitive salaries, with a minimum of $74,700, a mid-range of $83,900, and a maximum of $91,200. This indicates that the profession offers a solid earning potential compared to many other fields, making it a high-paying job for those with the right skills and experience.
Modeling and simulation can be challenging due to the complexity of creating realistic models based on research and historical data. However, the field offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $74,700, a mid-range of $83,900, and a maximum of $91,200, reflecting the expertise required in this area.
Modeling and simulation can be challenging due to the complexity of creating realistic models based on research and historical data. The main limitation is that simulations may not fully capture real-world reactions. However, the role of a Modeling & Simulation Engineer is rewarding, with salaries ranging from $74,700 to $91,200, reflecting the expertise required in this field.
Yes, simulation engineer jobs are in demand. The demand for simulation engineers is projected to grow by 6% from 2018 to 2028. In terms of salary, modeling and simulation engineers can expect a minimum salary of $74,700, a mid-range salary of $83,900, and a maximum salary of $91,200, reflecting the value of their expertise in the industry.
The Modeling & Simulation Engineer has a salary range with a minimum of $74,700, a mid-level salary of $83,900, and a maximum of $91,200. In comparison, Tesla's highest-paid engineers are Staff Engineers, earning up to $320,000, significantly higher than the Modeling & Simulation Engineer salaries.
To become a modeling and simulation engineer, pursue a master's or Ph.D. in systems engineering, statistical analysis, or computer science. Employers value military training or extensive experience in computer programming, mathematical analysis, or forecasting. The salary for this role typically ranges from $74,700 to $91,200, with a median of $83,900.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
