As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Engineer - Specialist in the United States is $133,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Project Engineer - Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Engineer - Specialist'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 - Specialist'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Program/Project Management II | 2-4 years | $98,053 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management III | 4-7 years | $116,879 |
| Project Engineer - Specialist | 7+ years | $133,693 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management V | 7-10 years | $156,882 |
| Engineering Program/Project Management - Team Lead | 10+ years | $82,583 |
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 - Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.83% |
| Installation | 2.71% |
| Land Development | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CAD
|
$144,385 |
8%
|
|
Hydraulics
|
$143,048 |
7%
|
|
Civil Engineering
|
$141,711 |
6%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$141,711 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$140,375 |
5%
|
|
Construction Management
|
$139,038 |
4%
|
Project Engineer - Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $149,658. While startup companies pay approximate $126,607.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $126,607 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $133,902 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $144,522 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $149,658 |
For Project Engineer - Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Project Engineer - Specialist positions in MFG Durable or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Engineer - Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $187,166 | $90.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $173,797 | $84.0 | 30% |
| Media | $167,112 | $80.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $160,428 | $77.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $153,744 | $74.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Engineer - Specialists 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 - Specialist with a No Diploma is between $130,077 and $137,790).
Project Engineer - Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.6% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 5.6% |
| Bachelors | 33.3% |
| Masters | 61.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Project Engineer - Specialist'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 - Specialist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Program/Project Management V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $156,900 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Project Engineer - Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $137,424 in 2023 to around $135,083 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Engineer - Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $137,424 |
| 2024 | $137,235 |
| 2025 | $135,083 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Engineer - Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The highest salary for a Project Engineer - Specialist is $156,290. While salaries can vary, the minimum is $125,590 and the midpoint is $139,290. This reflects a competitive range for professionals in this role, highlighting the potential for significant earnings in the field.
One of the high-paying roles is a Project Engineer - Specialist, with a salary range from $125,590 to $156,290. The average salary is around $139,290, making it a lucrative option in the engineering field. While there are other high-paying jobs like physicians and surgeons, this role offers competitive compensation as well.
Job outlook for project engineers is promising, with a steady rise in demand for professionals in this field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7 percent increase in employment opportunities for project management specialists from 2023 to 2033. Salaries for project engineers range from $125,590 to $156,290, with a median salary of $139,290, reflecting the value of this role.
As a Project Engineer - Specialist, the salary range is between $125,590 and $156,290. While it's possible to earn a high salary in engineering, reaching $300,000 annually typically requires advanced degrees and specialized experience in fields like biomedical, mechanical, or chemical engineering.
Among engineering roles, Project Engineer - Specialist offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $125,590, a mid-range of $139,290, and a maximum of $156,290. While various engineering fields have high earning potential, this position stands out for its lucrative compensation.
If you are considering a career as a Project Engineer - Specialist, this dynamic and rewarding field offers numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement. With salaries ranging from $125,590 to $156,290, it can be a financially rewarding choice as well. The mid-salary of $139,290 reflects the value of expertise in this role.
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