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Project Engineering Senior Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Project Engineering Senior Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Engineering Senior Manager in the United States is $172,295 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.

However, a Project Engineering Senior Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $214,029
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $156,671 to $194,140
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $142,446
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Project Engineering Senior Manager Salaries

A Project Engineering Senior Manager'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 Project Engineering Senior Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Project Engineering Senior Manager'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:

  • Project Engineering Senior Supervisor (3-5 years): $117,060
  • Project Engineering Manager (5+ years): $150,489
  • Project Engineering Senior Manager (5+ years): $172,295
  • Project Engineering Director (5+ years): $196,419
  • Project Engineering Senior Director (5+ years): $219,609
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Project Engineering Senior Supervisor3-5 years$117,060
Project Engineering Manager5+ years$150,489
Project Engineering Senior Manager5+ years$172,295
Project Engineering Director5+ years$196,419
Project Engineering Senior Director5+ years$219,609
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How Do Project Engineering Senior Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Project Engineering Senior Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $190,765.
  • California: $190,041.
  • Massachusetts: $187,509.

Top Paying Cities for Project Engineering Senior Managers

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: $217,316
  • San Francisco: $214,936
  • Oakland: $210,407

Project Engineering Senior Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Project Engineering Senior Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $192,547. While startup companies pay approximate $162,875.

Project Engineering Senior Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $162,875
Growth Stage 51~500 $172,257
Established 501~5000 $185,929
Enterprise 5000+ $192,547

Project Engineering Senior Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Engineering Senior Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Project Engineering Senior Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Engineering Senior Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Engineering Senior Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$241,213$116.040%
Pharmaceuticals$232,598$112.035%
Software & Networking$223,984$108.030%
Biotechnology$215,369$104.025%
Energy & Utilities$206,754$99.020%

Project Engineering Senior Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Project Engineering Senior Manager'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 September 01, 2026
$156,671
Average $172,295/year
$194,140
$13,056
Average $14,358/month
$16,178
$3,013
Average $3,313/week
$3,733
$75
Average $83/hour
$93
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $194,140 $16,178 $3,733 $93
Average $172,295 $14,358 $3,313 $83
25th Percentile $156,671 $13,056 $3,013 $75

Project Engineering Senior Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Project Engineering Senior Manager

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Advancement

For a Project Engineering Senior Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Project Engineering Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $196,419 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Project Engineering Senior Manager

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

Common company salaries for Project Engineering Senior Manager

Here are companies hiring for Project Engineering Senior Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Project Engineering Senior Manager

1. Where can a Project Engineering Senior Manager earn the most?

A Project Engineering Senior Manager'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 Project Engineering Senior Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Project Engineering Senior Manager is $217,316.

2. What is the highest pay for Project Engineering Senior Manager?

The highest pay for Project Engineering Senior Manager is $214,029.

3. What is the lowest pay for Project Engineering Senior Manager?

The lowest pay for Project Engineering Senior Manager is $142,446.

4. What are the responsibilities of Project Engineering Senior Manager?

Manages all design engineers, drafters, and technical engineers working on specific projects. Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of complex designs. Oversees product construction and testing in order to ensure completion of projects as efficiently and effectively as possible. Evaluates and approves changes that substantially impact the scope, budget, or schedule of a project. Monitors progress and performance against the project plan. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Project Engineering Senior Manager?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Engineering Senior Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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