As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Engineer - Entry in South Dakota is $78,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
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, 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 | $78,247 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management II | 2-4 years | $89,111 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management III | 4-7 years | $106,220 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management IV | 7+ years | $121,500 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management V | 7-10 years | $142,574 |
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:
Project Engineer - Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $87,641. While startup companies pay approximate $74,142.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $74,142 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $78,414 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $84,633 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $87,641 |
For Project Engineer - Entry roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Project Engineer - Entry positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Engineer - Entry as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $101,777 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $101,777 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $97,862 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $93,948 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $93,948 | $45.0 | 20% |
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 August 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 $89,200 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Engineer - Entry job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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