As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Engineer - Entry in the United States is $86,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Project Engineer - Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Engineer - Entry'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 a Project Engineer - Entry'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Project Engineer - Entry | 0-2 years | $86,110 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management II | 2-4 years | $98,048 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management III | 4-7 years | $116,840 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management IV | 7+ years | $133,667 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management V | 7-10 years | $156,882 |
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 Project Engineer - Entries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.18% |
| Cost Control | 1.97% |
| Project Engineering | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Earned Value Management
|
$91,361 |
6%
|
|
Land Development
|
$90,500 |
5%
|
|
Consulting
|
$90,500 |
5%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$90,500 |
5%
|
|
Civil Engineering
|
$89,638 |
4%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$88,776 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Engineer - Entries enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Project Engineer - Entry with a No Diploma is between $75,690 and $79,639).
Project Engineer - Entry Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 73.6% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 73.6% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Project Engineer - Entry'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 March 01, 2026For a Project Engineer - Entry, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Program/Project Management II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,100 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a Project Engineer - Entry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $80,602 in 2023 to around $80,918 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Engineer - Entry salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $80,602 |
| 2024 | $81,576 |
| 2025 | $80,918 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest-paying Project Engineer positions typically fall within industries such as aerospace and defense, where salaries can reach up to $179,000. However, for entry-level roles, the salary range is generally between $76,490 and $94,090, with a mid-salary of $82,890. This reflects the starting compensation for project engineers in various sectors.
Yes, anyone with the appropriate educational background can become a project engineer. Typically, a bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering is required, though degrees in other technical fields or construction management are also acceptable. Entry-level project engineers can expect salaries ranging from $76,490 to $94,090, with a median salary of $82,890.
Do project engineers travel a lot? Most project engineers typically remain in the same city, moving between departments or job sites rather than traveling extensively. However, for those who enjoy travel, certain positions may offer opportunities to work in different locations. Salaries for entry-level project engineers range from $76,490 to $94,090, with a midpoint of $82,890.
Project engineering is a challenging and rewarding career that requires both technical and soft skills. As a project engineer, you lead a team to deliver complex solutions for clients. The salary range for entry-level project engineers typically falls between $76,490 and $94,090, with a midpoint around $82,890, reflecting the role's importance and complexity.
Yes, Engineer I is the entry-level engineer classification. The salary for this position typically ranges from $76,490 to $94,090, with a midpoint of $82,890. This reflects the expected compensation for individuals starting their careers in engineering roles.
The lowest salary for an entry-level Project Engineer in the U.S. is $76,490. The mid-range salary is $82,890, while the maximum salary can reach up to $94,090. These figures reflect the typical compensation for this role in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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