As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Technical Engineer III in the United States is $53, which translates to an annual salary of about $110,740.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Technical Engineer III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Engineer | 0-2 years | $79,663 |
| Intermediate Engineer | 2-4 years | $92,126 |
| Technical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,740 |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | 7+ years | $140,152 |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $161,832 |
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 Technical Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.08% |
| API | 2.09% |
| Java | 1.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
DevOps
|
$121,814 |
10%
|
|
JavaScript
|
$119,599 |
8%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$118,492 |
7%
|
|
AWS
|
$118,492 |
7%
|
|
Java
|
$117,384 |
6%
|
|
Team Development
|
$117,384 |
6%
|
Technical Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $123,862. While startup companies pay approximate $104,750.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $104,750 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $110,790 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $119,612 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $123,862 |
For Technical Engineer III 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, Technical Engineer positions in Financial Services or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Technical Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $155,036 | $75.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $143,962 | $69.0 | 30% |
| Media | $135,103 | $65.0 | 22% |
| Healthcare | $132,888 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $128,458 | $62.0 | 16% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Technical Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor'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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,421 and $110,684).
Technical Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 36.5% |
| Masters | 41.6% |
| Doctorate | 15.5% |
Understanding how a Technical Engineer III'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Technical Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,909 in 2023 to around $116,792 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Technical Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $117,909 |
| 2024 | $118,066 |
| 2025 | $116,792 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Technical Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Can a technical engineer make $500,000? Yes, but it's important to note that the typical salary range for a technical engineer is between $102,180 and $121,560. While some may achieve higher earnings, not all technical engineers will reach that level of compensation.
A Level 3 pay grade typically offers a salary range that can vary by location and industry. For a Technical Engineer, the salary data indicates a minimum of $102,180, a mid-range of $111,350, and a maximum of $121,560. This suggests that Level 3 positions in this field generally provide competitive compensation compared to other regions.
Engineers typically earn between $102,180 and $121,560 annually, depending on their experience and specialization. While some positions may offer salaries around $200,000, these are often senior roles or specialized fields. Examples include high-level mechanical engineers, AI software engineers, and data engineers in leading companies.
Yes, an Engineer III is typically considered a senior engineer. They usually have five or more years of experience and possess a deeper technical understanding. In terms of compensation, the salary for a Technical Engineer ranges from a minimum of $102,180 to a maximum of $121,560, with a mid-salary of $111,350.
A Technical Level 3 role typically involves advanced skills and knowledge in a specific field, preparing individuals for employment in high-demand occupations. In this capacity, a Technical Engineer can expect a salary ranging from $102,180 to $121,560, with a midpoint of $111,350, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities associated with the position.
Engineer III is equivalent to ICT4 (Level 3): Software Engineer III, requiring 3-5 years of software development experience. The salary range for this position is between $102,180 and $121,560, with a midpoint of $111,350. This role aligns with a Senior Software Engineer position.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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