As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineer V in the United States is $161,832 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, an Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineer V'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 an Engineer V'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,740 |
| Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,152 |
| Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,832 |
| Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $187,046 |
| Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $85,953 |
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 Engineer Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.06% |
| AWS | 2.1% |
| AutoCAD | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$171,542 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$169,924 |
5%
|
|
Team Development
|
$168,305 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$168,305 |
4%
|
|
Software Development
|
$168,305 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$168,305 |
4%
|
Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $181,008. While startup companies pay approximate $153,079.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $153,079 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $161,904 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $174,798 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $181,008 |
For Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $194,198 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $194,198 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $194,198 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $194,198 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $194,198 | $93.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineer Vs 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 an Engineer V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $158,563 and $166,852).
Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 2.3% |
| Bachelors | 33.6% |
| Masters | 43.0% |
| Doctorate | 17.9% |
Understanding how an Engineer V'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, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineer V, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer VI | $199,485 | 23% |
| Aerospace Engineer VI | $199,136 | 23% |
| Engineer VI | $187,046 | 16% |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer VI | $212,083 | 31% |
Salaries for an Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,567 in 2023 to around $154,172 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $159,567 |
| 2024 | $156,522 |
| 2025 | $154,172 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Engineer V's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Engineer V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Engineer V is $204,119.
The highest pay for Engineer V is $175,618.
The lowest pay for Engineer V is $145,414.
Utilizes engineering methodologies, principles, and tools to develop or improve technical products, systems, or processes that meet specified requirements and standards. Researches and identifies optimal materials and processes to ensure product quality, performance, and manufacturability. Utilizes CAD software and engineering methodologies to create blueprints, drawings, or models and communicate designs and specifications to stakeholders. Collaborates with stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure specifications are captured. Oversees prototype testing to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs, collect feedback, and draw meaningful insight for product improvements. Maintains detailed documentation of test results, processes, and specifications for future needs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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