As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Phd Engineer in the United States is $100,709 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Phd Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Phd 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 Phd 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 |
|---|---|
| Expatriat... Level Phd Engineer | $75,376 |
| Expatriat... Level Phd Engineer | $89,708 |
| Phd Engin... Level Phd Engineer | $103,824 |
| Expatriat... Level Phd Engineer | $131,618 |
| Expatriat... Level Phd Engineer | $120,408 |
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 Phd Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Phd Engineers 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 Phd Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $97,250 and $103,807).
Phd Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 15.4% |
| High School | 69.2% |
| Associates | 15.4% |
| Bachelors | 15.4% |
| Masters | 69.2% |
| Doctorate | 15.4% |
Understanding how a Phd 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 June 01, 2026Salaries for a Phd Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $90,157 in 2023 to around $89,674 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Phd Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $90,157 |
| 2024 | $90,099 |
| 2025 | $89,674 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Phd Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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.)
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