As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Validation Engineer I in the United States is $79,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Validation Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Validation 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 Validation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Validation Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,300 |
| Validation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $96,845 |
| Validation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,491 |
| Validation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $138,487 |
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 Validation Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.18% |
| Civil Engineering | 2.37% |
| Technical Skills | 1.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Android
|
$89,609 |
13%
|
|
Land Development
|
$88,816 |
12%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$88,023 |
11%
|
|
Civil Engineering
|
$88,023 |
11%
|
|
Python
|
$87,230 |
10%
|
|
AWS
|
$86,437 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Validation 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 Validation Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $61,148 and $68,689).
Validation Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.4% |
| High School | 3.4% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 60.5% |
| Masters | 32.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Validation 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 Validation Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Validation Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $96,845 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Validation Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,391 in 2023 to around $77,771 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Validation Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $79,391 |
| 2024 | $78,725 |
| 2025 | $77,771 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Validation Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Validation 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 Validation Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Validation Engineer I is $100,021.
The highest pay for Validation Engineer I is $93,082.
The lowest pay for Validation Engineer I is $65,740.
Prepares all protocols and reports for validation work. Coordinates all validation activities by constant communication with affected departments and personnel; oversees and reviews validation area processes and procedures. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. 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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