As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Reliability Engineer I in the United States is $78,043 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Reliability Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Reliability 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Reliability 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Engineer I | 0-2 years | $78,043 |
| Reliability Engineer II | 2-4 years | $93,335 |
| Reliability Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,544 |
| Reliability Engineer IV | 7+ years | $137,022 |
| Reliability Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,680 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Reliability Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.28% |
| Linux | 3.28% |
| Open Source | 2.48% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source
|
$91,310 |
17%
|
|
Microservices
|
$88,969 |
14%
|
|
Docker
|
$87,408 |
12%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$87,408 |
12%
|
|
Ansible
|
$87,408 |
12%
|
|
Configuration Management
|
$87,408 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Reliability Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Reliability Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $75,790 and $78,928).
Reliability Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 9.0% |
| Bachelors | 56.4% |
| Masters | 26.9% |
| Doctorate | 5.1% |
Understanding how a Reliability 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 May 01, 2026For a Reliability Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Reliability Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,335 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Reliability Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,966 in 2023 to around $80,498 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Reliability Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $82,966 |
| 2024 | $81,792 |
| 2025 | $80,498 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Reliability Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Reliability Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Reliability 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 Reliability Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Reliability Engineer I is $98,436.
The highest pay for Reliability Engineer I is $86,713.
The lowest pay for Reliability Engineer I is $65,467.
Analyzes and evaluates the reliability of products, equipment, components, and processes using engineering methodologies and tools. Develops the methods and measures utilized for reliability analysis based on product specifications, tolerances, or operating standards. Utilizes analysis techniques like FMEA, fault tree, and root cause analysis to identify problems. Oversees testing activities and reviews results. Creates risk-based failure mitigation plans. Proposes new or revised product designs, manufacturing processes and testing specifications that utilize best practices and will increase reliability. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to an engineering manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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