As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Stationary Engineer III in the United States is $68,081 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Stationary Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Stationary Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,769 | $6,231 | $1,438 | $36 |
| Average | $68,081 | $5,673 | $1,309 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,525 | $5,210 | $1,202 | $30 |
A Stationary Engineer III'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 Stationary Engineer III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Engineer I | 0-1 years | $54,158 |
| Stationary Engineer II | 1-3 years | $60,173 |
| Stationary Engineer III | 3-5 years | $68,081 |
| Stationary Engineer IV | 5-7 years | $84,894 |
| Stationary Engineer Supervisor | 7+ years | $82,509 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 7.16% |
| Operation and Control | 3.38% |
| Water Testing | 2.28% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Stationary Engineer III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Management | $81,016 | |
| Chemistry | $80,336 | |
| Scheduling | $72,847 |
Stationary Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,213. While startup companies pay approximate $64,474.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,474 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,189 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $73,597 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,213 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Stationary Engineer III enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Stationary Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,708 and $71,713.
| Typical Education for Stationary Engineer III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 46.7% |
| High School | 46.7% |
| Associates | 26.7% |
| Bachelors | 26.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Stationary Engineer III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,769 | $6,231 | $1,438 | $36 |
| Average | $68,081 | $5,673 | $1,309 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,525 | $5,210 | $1,202 | $30 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Stationary Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Stationary Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $84,894 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Stationary Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,611 in 2023 to around $54,323 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Stationary Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $54,611 |
| 2024 | $54,494 |
| 2025 | $54,323 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Stationary Engineer III'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 Stationary Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Stationary Engineer III is $85,871.
The highest pay for Stationary Engineer III is $80,858.
The lowest pay for Stationary Engineer III is $57,467.
Operates, repairs, and maintains stationary equipment including boilers, generators, refrigeration, and turbines in buildings, plants or industrial facilities. Monitors meters, gauges, and controls to ensure that equipment is operating effectively, safely, and within established limits. Prepares operating reports and charts to track and document equipment status and performance. Conducts failure analysis of parts and equipment to determine the need for repair or replacement of parts. Performs preventative maintenance and documents completed procedures. Requires a high school diploma. May require EPA Universal Certification. Typically requires Boiler Operator Licensed. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Stationary Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
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