As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geotechnical Engineer III in the United States is $110,389 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Geotechnical Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Geotechnical Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,073 |
| Geotechnical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $86,010 |
| Geotechnical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,389 |
| Geotechnical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $127,837 |
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 Geotechnical Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 10.73% |
| Engineering Services | 3.3% |
| Business Development | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Sense
|
$121,428 |
10%
|
|
Industry Knowledge
|
$115,908 |
5%
|
|
Client Management
|
$115,908 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$114,805 |
4%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$114,805 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$114,805 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $99,640 and $106,728).
Geotechnical Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 41.7% |
| High School | 47.2% |
| Associates | 11.1% |
| Bachelors | 41.7% |
| Masters | 47.2% |
| Doctorate | 11.1% |
Understanding how a Geotechnical 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 April 01, 2026For a Geotechnical Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Geotechnical Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $127,837 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Geotechnical Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,999 in 2023 to around $103,922 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Geotechnical Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $117,999 |
| 2024 | $109,747 |
| 2025 | $103,922 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Geotechnical Engineer III'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, a Geotechnical Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geotechnical Engineer III is $139,234.
The highest pay for Geotechnical Engineer III is $127,690.
The lowest pay for Geotechnical Engineer III is $87,792.
Prepares and inspects projects involving drilling and exploration. Responsible for geological mapping, report writing, site characterization, numerical modeling and analysis of excavations/supports. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
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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