As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineer VI in the United States is $187,046 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.
However, an Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineer VI'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Engineer VI'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 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 |
| Engineering Senior Supervisor | 12+ years | $128,332 |
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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $209,209. While startup companies pay approximate $176,929.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $176,929 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $187,130 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $202,032 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $209,209 |
For Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $224,455 | $108.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $224,455 | $108.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $215,103 | $103.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $205,751 | $99.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $205,751 | $99.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Engineer VI'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 VI, 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 Engineering Supervisor | $131,813 | -30% |
| Aerospace Engineering Supervisor | $132,839 | -29% |
| Engineering Supervisor | $85,953 | -54% |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager | $163,491 | -13% |
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An Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Engineer VI is $235,921.
The highest pay for Engineer VI is $223,851.
The lowest pay for Engineer VI is $153,128.
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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineer VI 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.)
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