As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Engineer in the United States is $75,666 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Applications Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Applications 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 an Applications 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 Applications Engineer | $74,654 |
| Intermediate Level Applications Engineer | $75,345 |
| Senior Level Applications Engineer | $76,950 |
| Specialist Level Applications Engineer | $77,271 |
| Expert Level Applications Engineer | $77,485 |
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 Applications Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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
|
$87,773 |
16%
|
|
Application Security
|
$86,260 |
14%
|
|
Code Review
|
$81,720 |
8%
|
|
Semiconductors
|
$81,720 |
8%
|
|
Information Security
|
$81,720 |
8%
|
|
Web Applications
|
$80,963 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Applications Engineers 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 an Applications Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $76,094 and $81,084).
Applications Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.2% |
| High School | 3.2% |
| Associates | 9.3% |
| Bachelors | 57.8% |
| Masters | 25.9% |
| Doctorate | 3.8% |
Understanding how an Applications 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 an Applications Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,742 in 2023 to around $78,701 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Applications Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $80,742 |
| 2024 | $80,361 |
| 2025 | $78,701 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Applications Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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