As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Chief Engineer in the United States is $298,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $143.
However, an Assistant Chief Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Assistant Chief 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 Assistant Chief 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 |
|---|---|
| Engineeri... Level Assistant Chief Engineer | $180,801 |
| Engineeri... Level Assistant Chief Engineer | $202,000 |
| VP of Eng... Level Assistant Chief Engineer | $236,596 |
| Assistant... Level Assistant Chief Engineer | $297,020 |
| Chief Eng... Level Assistant Chief Engineer | $373,305 |
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 Assistant Chief Engineers. 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
|
$316,304 |
6%
|
|
People Management
|
$316,304 |
6%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$316,304 |
6%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$313,320 |
5%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$313,320 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$310,336 |
4%
|
For Assistant Chief Engineer 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, Assistant Chief Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Chief Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $352,112 | $169.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $334,208 | $161.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $331,224 | $159.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $328,240 | $158.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $328,240 | $158.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Assistant Chief 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 an Assistant Chief Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $283,387 and $302,109).
Assistant Chief Engineer 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 an Assistant Chief 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Assistant Chief Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $284,018 in 2023 to around $281,086 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Assistant Chief Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $284,018 |
| 2024 | $284,481 |
| 2025 | $281,086 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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