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Systems Simulation Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Simulation Engineer I make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Simulation Engineer I in the United States is $78,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,106
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,730 to $85,560
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,595
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View as table View as graph 25% $72,730 10% $67,595 90% $92,106 75% $85,560 $78,370 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Simulation Engineer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $85,560 $7,130 $1,645 $41
Average $78,370 $6,531 $1,507 $38
25th Percentile $72,730 $6,061 $1,399 $35
Check out Systems Simulation Engineer I Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Systems Simulation Engineer I Salaries

A Systems 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.

How Experience Level Affects Systems Simulation Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems 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:

  • Systems Simulation Engineer I (0-2 years): $78,369
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer II (2-4 years): $93,772
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer III (4-7 years): $118,656
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer IV (7+ years): $144,556
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer V (7-10 years): $173,921
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Systems Simulation Engineer I0-2 years$78,369
Modeling & Simulation Engineer II2-4 years$93,772
Modeling & Simulation Engineer III4-7 years$118,656
Modeling & Simulation Engineer IV7+ years$144,556
Modeling & Simulation Engineer V7-10 years$173,921
$78,369 Systems S...
$93,772 Modeling ...
$118,656 Modeling ...
$144,556 Modeling ...
$173,921 Modeling ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Systems Simulation Engineer Is

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: $98,850
  • San Francisco: $97,880
  • Oakland: $95,710

Systems Simulation Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems 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 March 01, 2026

Systems Simulation Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Systems 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.

Salary Trends for Systems Simulation Engineer I

Salaries for a Systems 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 Systems Simulation Engineer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Systems Simulation Engineer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$81,352
2024
$80,854
2025
$79,828
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $81,352
2024 $80,854
2025 $79,828
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Simulation Engineer I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Systems Simulation Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Systems Simulation Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Systems Simulation Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Systems Simulation Engineer I

1. How do I become a simulation engineer?

To become a simulation engineer, follow these steps: Earn a degree in a relevant field, choose a specialty, and secure an entry-level position. As you gain experience, you can advance in your career. Continued education is essential for growth. Salary ranges for simulation engineers typically fall between $74,660 and $91,170, with a median of $83,810.

2. Do system engineers get paid well?

Systems Simulation Engineers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $74,660, a mid-range salary of $83,810, and a maximum of $91,170. While these figures may vary based on experience and location, they reflect a solid compensation structure within the field. Overall, the pay is quite favorable for professionals in this area.

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

As of now, the salary for a Systems Simulation Engineer in the United States ranges from $74,660 to $91,170 annually, with a median salary of $83,810. This translates to approximately $35.85 to $43.80 per hour, or $1,455 to $1,750 per week.

4. What is the highest salary for a system engineer?

The highest salary for a Systems Simulation Engineer is approximately $91,170 per year. The average starting salary is around $74,660, with a mid-range salary of about $83,810. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required for this role.

5. How much is a NASA engineer paid?

A Systems Simulation Engineer typically earns between $74,660 and $91,170 annually, with a median salary of $83,810. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.

6. What is the salary of simulation engineer?

Employees as Systems Simulation Engineers earn an average salary ranging from $74,660 to $91,170 per year, with a midpoint of $83,810. The top earners in this field can expect salaries above the midpoint, reflecting their experience and expertise in the industry.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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