As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Engineer in the United States is $107,144 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a General Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Engineer'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 General Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level General Engineer | $104,839 |
| Intermediate Level General Engineer | $105,607 |
| Senior Level General Engineer | $107,144 |
| Specialist Level General Engineer | $113,239 |
| Expert Level General Engineer | $116,652 |
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 General Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.42% |
| Quality Assurance | 6.52% |
| Quality Control | 1.11% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$140,359 |
31%
|
|
Project Management
|
$125,358 |
17%
|
|
Dedication
|
$118,930 |
11%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$117,858 |
10%
|
|
Coordination
|
$116,787 |
9%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$116,787 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Engineers enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 General Engineer with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $105,014 and $116,512).
General Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.3% |
| High School | 15.2% |
| Associates | 81.5% |
| Bachelors | 3.3% |
| Masters | 15.2% |
| Doctorate | 81.5% |
Understanding how a General Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a General Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,316 in 2023 to around $82,170 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $84,316 |
| 2024 | $83,540 |
| 2025 | $82,170 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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