As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Engineer I - Construction in Richmond, CA is $104,064 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Project Engineer I - Construction's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Engineer I - Construction'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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Project Engineer I - Construction'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Project Engineer I - Construction | 0-2 years | $104,064 |
| Project Engineer II - Construction | 2-4 years | $122,037 |
| Project Engineer III - Construction | 4-7 years | $144,881 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.92% |
| RFI | 2.78% |
| Land Development | 1.41% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$115,512 |
11%
|
|
Project Engineering
|
$112,390 |
8%
|
|
RFI
|
$112,390 |
8%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$112,390 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$111,349 |
7%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$111,349 |
7%
|
Project Engineer I - Construction salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,129. While startup companies pay approximate $95,927.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $95,927 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $101,386 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $109,321 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $113,129 |
For Project Engineer I - Construction roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Project Engineer I - Construction positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Engineer I - Construction as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $135,284 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $124,877 | $60.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Project Engineer I - Construction'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, 2026For a Project Engineer I - Construction, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Project Engineer II - Construction role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $122,037 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Engineer I - Construction job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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