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Technical Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Technical Engineer III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Technical Engineer III in the United States is $110,730 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

However, a Technical Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $124,103
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,300 to $117,730
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,535
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Technical Engineer III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Technical Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Entry Engineer (0-2 years): $79,656
  • Intermediate Engineer (2-4 years): $92,118
  • Technical Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,730
  • Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead (7+ years): $140,158
  • Engineer - Expert/Consultant (7-10 years): $161,822
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Engineer0-2 years$79,656
Intermediate Engineer2-4 years$92,118
Technical Engineer III4-7 years$110,730
Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead7+ years$140,158
Engineer - Expert/Consultant7-10 years$161,822
View as Graph

How Do Technical Engineer III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $122,610.
  • California: $122,140.
  • Massachusetts: $120,510.

Top Paying Cities for Technical Engineer IIIs

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: $139,670
  • San Francisco: $138,140
  • Oakland: $135,230

What Skills Can Increase a Technical Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.08% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • API (Mentioned in 2.09% Job Postings): An application programming interface is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software.
  • Java (Mentioned in 1.71% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.08%
API 2.09%
Java 1.71%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 III's salary.

  • DevOps: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • JavaScript: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Test Automation: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
DevOps $121,803
10%
JavaScript $119,588
8%
Test Automation $118,481
7%
Get Latest Data

Technical Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $123,745. While startup companies pay approximate $104,676.

Technical Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $104,676
Growth Stage 51~500 $110,705
Established 501~5000 $119,492
Enterprise 5000+ $123,745

Technical Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Technical Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$155,022$75.040%
Aerospace & Defense$143,949$69.030%
Media$135,091$65.022%
Healthcare$132,876$64.020%
Retail & Wholesale$128,447$62.016%

How Education impacts a Technical Engineer III's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Technical Engineer III
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%
View as Graph

Technical Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$103,300
Average $110,730/year
$117,730
$8,608
Average $9,228/month
$9,811
$1,987
Average $2,129/week
$2,264
$50
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $117,730 $9,811 $2,264 $57
Average $110,730 $9,228 $2,129 $53
25th Percentile $103,300 $8,608 $1,987 $50

Technical Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Technical Engineer III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Technical Engineer III, 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 IV $140,200 27%
Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV $140,160 27%
Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead $140,200 27%
GNC Engineer IV $135,500 22%

Most common benefits for Technical Engineer III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Technical Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Technical Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Technical Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Technical Engineer III?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Technical Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Can an engineer make $500,000?

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.

3. What is a level 3 pay grade?

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.

4. What engineers make $200,000 a year?

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.

5. Is an engineer III a senior engineer?

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.

6. What is a technical level 3?

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.

7. What is Engineer III equivalent to?

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.

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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