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Stationary Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Stationary Engineer III make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,858
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,525 to $74,769
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,467

Key Factors That Influence Stationary Engineer III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Stationary Engineer III Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Stationary Engineer I0-1 years$54,158
Stationary Engineer II1-3 years$60,173
Stationary Engineer III3-5 years$68,081
Stationary Engineer IV5-7 years$84,894
Stationary Engineer Supervisor7+ years$82,509

Top Paying Cities for Stationary Engineer III

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: $85,871
  • San Francisco: $84,930
  • Oakland: $83,141

What Skills Can Increase a Stationary Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 7.16% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Operation and Control (Mentioned in 3.38% Job Postings): Operational control is the authority to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission.
  • Water Testing (Mentioned in 2.28% Job Postings): Water testing is a broad description for various procedures used to analyze water quality. Millions of water quality tests are carried out daily to fulfill regulatory requirements and to maintain safety.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 7.16%
Operation and Control 3.38%
Water Testing 2.28%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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.

  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Chemistry: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Risk Management $81,016
19%
Chemistry $80,336
18%
Scheduling $72,847
7%

Stationary Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Stationary Engineer III Salary by Company Size

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

Stationary Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Stationary Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Stationary Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Stationary Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Stationary Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$108,930$52.060%
Biotechnology$102,122$49.050%
Software & Networking$98,717$47.045%
Financial Services$95,313$46.040%
Energy & Utilities$88,505$43.030%

How Education impacts an Stationary Engineer III's Salary?

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.

Stationary Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Stationary Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$62,525
Average $68,081/year
$74,769
$5,210
Average $5,673/month
$6,231
$1,202
Average $1,309/week
$1,438
$30
Average $33/hour
$36
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

Stationary Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Most common benefits for Stationary Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Stationary Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Stationary Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Stationary Engineer III

1. Where can a Stationary Engineer III earn the most?

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.

2. What is the highest pay for Stationary Engineer III?

The highest pay for Stationary Engineer III is $80,858.

3. What is the lowest pay for Stationary Engineer III?

The lowest pay for Stationary Engineer III is $57,467.

4. What are the responsibilities of Stationary Engineer III?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Stationary Engineer III?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Stationary Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 60% 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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