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Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,475
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,905 to $87,612
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,109

Key Factors That Influence Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I0-2 years$82,271
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer II2-4 years$94,486
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III4-7 years$115,836
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer IV7+ years$135,471
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer V7-10 years$168,584

Top Paying Cities for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $103,768
  • San Francisco: $102,632
  • Oakland: $100,469

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary by Company Size

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

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$123,406$59.050%
Pharmaceuticals$115,179$55.040%
Internet$106,952$51.030%
Financial Services$98,725$47.020%

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$75,905
Average $82,271/year
$87,612
$6,325
Average $6,856/month
$7,301
$1,460
Average $1,582/week
$1,685
$36
Average $40/hour
$42
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

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I

1. Where can a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I earn the most?

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.

2. What is the highest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I?

The highest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I is $92,475.

3. What is the lowest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I?

The lowest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I is $70,109.

4. What are the responsibilities of Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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