As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geotechnical Engineer IV in the United States is $127,819 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Geotechnical Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Geotechnical Engineer IV Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $132,277 | $11,023 | $2,544 | $64 |
| Average | $127,819 | $10,652 | $2,458 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,669 | $10,222 | $2,359 | $59 |
A Geotechnical Engineer IV'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 IV'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 | $74,081 |
| Geotechnical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $86,034 |
| Geotechnical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,410 |
| Geotechnical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $127,819 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 10.88% |
| Laboratory Testing | 3.49% |
| AutoCAD | 2.05% |
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 Geotechnical Engineer IV's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation | $158,496 | |
| Geotechnical Investigation | $145,714 | |
| Teamwork | $143,157 |
Geotechnical Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $138,851. While startup companies pay approximate $117,816.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $117,816 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $124,516 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $134,188 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $138,851 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geotechnical Engineer IV enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Geotechnical Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $126,311 and $129,877.
| Typical Education for Geotechnical Engineer IV | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 27.1% |
| Associates | 1.7% |
| Bachelors | 27.1% |
| Masters | 50.8% |
| Doctorate | 20.3% |
Understanding how a Geotechnical Engineer IV'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $132,277 | $11,023 | $2,544 | $64 |
| Average | $127,819 | $10,652 | $2,458 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,669 | $10,222 | $2,359 | $59 |
Salaries for a Geotechnical Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $140,066 in 2023 to around $127,159 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Geotechnical Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $140,066 |
| 2024 | $132,853 |
| 2025 | $127,159 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Geotechnical Engineer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geotechnical Engineer IV is $161,218.
The highest pay for Geotechnical Engineer IV is $136,336.
The lowest pay for Geotechnical Engineer IV is $117,980.
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 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group.
The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Geotechnical Engineer IV 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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