As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sales Engineer I in the United States is $82,262 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Sales Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sales 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 Sales 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Engineer I | 0-2 years | $82,262 |
| Sales Engineer II | 2-4 years | $96,678 |
| Sales Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,672 |
| Sales Engineer IV | 7+ years | $141,283 |
| Sales Engineer V | 7-10 years | $167,931 |
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 Sales Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 8.64% |
| Use Cases | 2.15% |
| CRM | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Onboarding
|
$92,133 |
12%
|
|
Python
|
$91,311 |
11%
|
|
Open Source
|
$90,488 |
10%
|
|
Use Cases
|
$89,666 |
9%
|
|
SQL
|
$88,020 |
7%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$88,020 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sales Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Sales Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,820 and $80,288).
Sales Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.4% |
| High School | 7.4% |
| Associates | 5.9% |
| Bachelors | 66.6% |
| Masters | 19.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a Sales 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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Sales 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Engineer II | $96,678 | 18% |
| Solution Consultant II | $89,932 | 9% |
Salaries for a Sales Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,677 in 2023 to around $64,285 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sales Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,677 |
| 2024 | $65,037 |
| 2025 | $64,285 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Sales Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Sales 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 Sales Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Sales Engineer I is $103,757.
The highest pay for Sales Engineer I is $99,662.
The lowest pay for Sales Engineer I is $70,564.
Uses technical knowledge of product offerings to advise and support sales teams with pricing estimates and implementation guidance based on customer requirements. Analyzes customers' technical specifications, recommends the best product configuration and installation process, and estimates implementation effort, time, and resources. Reviews sales proposals for accuracy, completeness, and quality. Develops and delivers technical product presentations used to engage customers and prospects and educate sales teams. Requires a bachelor's degree. 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.
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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