As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Engineer in Clinton, IA is $73,369 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Application Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Application 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Application 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 |
|---|---|
| Applicati... Level Application Engineer | $72,849 |
| Technical... Level Application Engineer | $93,944 |
| Technical... Level Application Engineer | $103,124 |
| Technical... Level Application Engineer | $130,863 |
| Technical... Level Application Engineer | $148,021 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.96% |
| Software Engineering | 2.57% |
| Product Development | 1.68% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Penetration Testing
|
$85,108 |
16%
|
|
Application Security
|
$83,641 |
14%
|
|
Code Review
|
$79,239 |
8%
|
|
Semiconductors
|
$79,239 |
8%
|
|
Information Security
|
$79,239 |
8%
|
|
Web Applications
|
$78,505 |
7%
|
For Application Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Application Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Application Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $91,712 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,174 | $40.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,706 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $80,706 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $80,706 | $39.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Application 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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Application Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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