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Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Modeling & Simulation Engineer III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Modeling & Simulation Engineer III in the United States is $118,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

However, a Modeling & Simulation Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $134,748
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $106,700 to $127,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $95,775

Key Factors That Influence Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salaries

A Modeling & Simulation 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Modeling & Simulation Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Modeling & Simulation 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:

  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer I (0-2 years): $78,361
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer II (2-4 years): $93,758
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer III (4-7 years): $118,662
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer IV (7+ years): $144,552
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer V (7-10 years): $173,924
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Modeling & Simulation Engineer I0-2 years$78,361
Modeling & Simulation Engineer II2-4 years$93,758
Modeling & Simulation Engineer III4-7 years$118,662
Modeling & Simulation Engineer IV7+ years$144,552
Modeling & Simulation Engineer V7-10 years$173,924

How Do Modeling & Simulation Engineer III 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 Modeling & Simulation Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $131,400.
  • California: $130,900.
  • Massachusetts: $129,200.

Top Paying Cities for Modeling & Simulation 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: $149,700
  • San Francisco: $148,100
  • Oakland: $145,000

Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Modeling & Simulation Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $132,652. While startup companies pay approximate $112,210.

Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $112,210
Growth Stage 51~500 $118,674
Established 501~5000 $128,093
Enterprise 5000+ $132,652

Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Modeling & Simulation Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Modeling & Simulation Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Modeling & Simulation Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Modeling & Simulation Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$166,180$80.040%
Financial Services$154,310$74.030%
Aerospace & Defense$148,375$71.025%
Insurance$142,440$68.020%
Internet$140,066$67.018%

Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Modeling & Simulation 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 September 01, 2026
$106,700
Average $118,700/year
$127,100
$8,892
Average $9,892/month
$10,592
$2,052
Average $2,283/week
$2,444
$51
Average $57/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,100 $10,592 $2,444 $61
Average $118,700 $9,892 $2,283 $57
25th Percentile $106,700 $8,892 $2,052 $51

Modeling & Simulation Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Modeling & Simulation Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Modeling & Simulation Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $144,600 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Modeling & Simulation Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Modeling & Simulation Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Modeling & Simulation Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Modeling & Simulation Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Modeling & Simulation Engineer III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Modeling & Simulation Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. How much does a Level 3 earn in USA?

A Level 3 Modeling & Simulation Engineer in the USA typically earns between $113,400 and $138,400 annually. The average salary is around $125,100, translating to a monthly pay of approximately $10,425. This range reflects the competitive nature of the field, with top earners reaching the higher end of the scale.

3. Is modeling and simulation hard?

Modeling and simulation can be challenging due to the complexity of creating realistic models based on research and historical data. The main drawback is that simulations may not fully capture real-world reactions. However, the role of a Modeling & Simulation Engineer is well-compensated, with salaries ranging from $113,400 to $138,400, reflecting the expertise required in this field.

4. Which engineering has the highest salary?

Among engineering roles, Modeling & Simulation Engineers have competitive salaries, with a minimum of $113,400, a mid-range of $125,100, and a maximum of $138,400. While various engineering fields offer high pay, the specific salary for Modeling & Simulation Engineers highlights their value in the industry.

5. What is the salary of a simulation engineer?

The salary of a Modeling & Simulation Engineer typically ranges from $113,400 to $138,400, with a median salary of $125,100. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, where professionals can expect to earn within this range based on their experience and expertise.

6. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

The highest-paid engineering role in the USA is the Modeling & Simulation Engineer, with a salary range from $113,400 to $138,400, and a median salary of $125,100. This positions them among the top earners in the engineering field, surpassing other roles like Mechanical and Environmental Engineers, which have median salaries below $100,000.

7. How much do simulation engineers make in the US?

As of January 21, 2025, a Modeling & Simulation Engineer in the United States earns between $113,400 and $138,400 annually, with a median salary of $125,100. This translates to approximately $54.49 to $66.54 per hour, or $2,200 to $2,650 per week, and $9,533 to $11,583 per month.

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.)

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