As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I in the United States is $82,271 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $87,612 | $7,301 | $1,685 | $42 |
| Average | $82,271 | $6,856 | $1,582 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,905 | $6,325 | $1,460 | $36 |
A Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I'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 a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I | 0-2 years | $82,271 |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,486 |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III | 4-7 years | $115,836 |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer IV | 7+ years | $135,471 |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer V | 7-10 years | $168,584 |
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $92,098. While startup companies pay approximate $77,912.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $77,912 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $82,402 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $88,937 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $92,098 |
Understanding how a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I'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 | $87,612 | $7,301 | $1,685 | $42 |
| Average | $82,271 | $6,856 | $1,582 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,905 | $6,325 | $1,460 | $36 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I, 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 II | $95,651 | 16% |
| Airport Engineer | $73,178 | -11% |
| Aerospace Engineer II | $95,651 | 16% |
| Engineer II | $92,122 | 12% |
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I'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 Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I is $103,768.
The highest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I is $92,475.
The lowest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I is $70,109.
Designs, implements, and tests systems, algorithms, and simulation tools used to control the movement of vehicles. Performs trade studies, leads design reviews, creates models, and completes simulations and system testing. Develops algorithms and analyzes designs for performance and functionality. Evaluates results to determine issues and develops solutions. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: