As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Technical Engineer I in the United States is $79,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Technical Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Technical Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,200 | $7,100 | $1,638 | $41 |
| Average | $79,660 | $6,638 | $1,532 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,510 | $6,126 | $1,414 | $35 |
A Technical 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Technical 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,656 |
| Intermediate Engineer | 2-4 years | $92,118 |
| Senior Engineer | 4-7 years | $110,730 |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | 7+ years | $140,158 |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $161,822 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.26% |
| Carpentry | 2.27% |
| Python | 1.69% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Technical Engineer I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| JavaScript | $88,423 | |
| AWS | $88,423 | |
| API | $87,626 |
Technical Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,023. While startup companies pay approximate $75,305.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,305 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,642 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,963 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,023 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Technical Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Technical Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $72,922 and $76,059).
| Typical Education for Technical Engineer I | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 5.4% |
| Associates | 6.4% |
| Bachelors | 57.2% |
| Masters | 26.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.9% |
Understanding how a Technical 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,200 | $7,100 | $1,638 | $41 |
| Average | $79,660 | $6,638 | $1,532 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,510 | $6,126 | $1,414 | $35 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Technical Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer II | $95,700 | 20% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $73,401 | -8% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 20% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 16% |
Salaries for a Technical Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Technical Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Technical Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
While various engineering fields offer lucrative salaries, Technical Engineers have a salary range with a minimum of $72,200, a mid-level salary of $77,450, and a maximum of $83,910. Compared to other engineering disciplines, such as Petroleum Engineers with median salaries around $137,322, Technical Engineering may not be the highest-paying career.
Engineers typically making around $300,000 a year are often in high-level positions such as Senior Engineering Director, VP of Systems Engineering, or Director of Software Engineering. However, for Technical Engineers, salaries range from $72,200 to $83,910, indicating that reaching the $300,000 mark usually requires advanced roles or significant experience in specialized fields.
Did you know that 40% of the world's billionaires are engineers? Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping our world and its development, serving as stewards who provide direction for nations. With salaries ranging from $72,200 to $83,910, their contributions are invaluable, making this an opportune time in history for engineering innovation.
Engineers typically do not make $200,000 a year, as the salary data for a Technical Engineer shows a range from $72,200 to $83,910. Positions like AI Software Engineer or Data Engineer may offer higher salaries, but reaching $200,000 is uncommon for most engineering roles.
USA is an excellent destination for engineers, offering competitive salaries. For Technical Engineers, salaries range from $72,200 to $83,910, with a median of $77,450. The four-year BTech program is rigorous, and most colleges require SAT scores for admission. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria when applying to engineering programs.
While some tech jobs like Cybersecurity Specialists, Cloud Architects, and AI Engineers can command salaries around $300,000, the average salary for a Technical Engineer ranges from $72,200 to $83,910. This highlights the significant salary disparity within the tech industry, depending on the specific role and expertise required.
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