As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Engineer Officer in the United States is $295,146 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $142.
However, a Chief Engineer Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Engineer Officer'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 Chief Engineer Officer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineeri... Level Chief Engineer Officer | $183,607 |
| Engineeri... Level Chief Engineer Officer | $205,135 |
| VP of Eng... Level Chief Engineer Officer | $240,269 |
| Chief Eng... Level Chief Engineer Officer | $301,630 |
| Chief Eng... Level Chief Engineer Officer | $379,100 |
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 Chief Engineer Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.51% |
| Housekeeping | 2.15% |
| Accounting | 1.54% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$312,855 |
6%
|
|
People Management
|
$312,855 |
6%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$312,855 |
6%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$309,903 |
5%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$309,903 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$306,952 |
4%
|
For Chief Engineer Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 33% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Chief Engineer Officer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Engineer Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $348,272 | $167.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $330,564 | $159.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $327,612 | $158.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $324,661 | $156.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $324,661 | $156.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Engineer Officers 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 Chief Engineer Officer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $283,387 and $302,109).
Chief Engineer Officer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.9% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 32.2% |
| Masters | 47.4% |
| Doctorate | 16.1% |
Understanding how a Chief Engineer Officer'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Chief Engineer Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $288,427 in 2023 to around $285,449 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Engineer Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $288,427 |
| 2024 | $288,897 |
| 2025 | $285,449 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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