As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an E&I First Class in the United States is $54,715 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, an E&I First Class's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An E&I First Class'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.
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 E&I First Classes. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 10.4% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 2.94% |
| Data Acquisition | 1.7% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$63,469 |
16%
|
|
Wiring Diagram
|
$61,280 |
12%
|
|
Instrumentation and Control
|
$60,733 |
11%
|
|
Programming
|
$59,639 |
9%
|
|
EHS
|
$59,639 |
9%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$59,639 |
9%
|
For E&I First Class roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, E&I First Class positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view E&I First Class as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $60,186 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $60,186 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $60,186 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $60,186 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $60,186 | $29.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many E&I First Classes enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 E&I First Class with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $49,620 and $53,987).
E&I First Class Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 34.5% |
| Associates | 37.9% |
| Bachelors | 24.1% |
| Masters | 1.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an E&I First Class'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, 2026Salaries for an E&I First Class can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,453 in 2023 to around $48,000 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of E&I First Class salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,453 |
| 2024 | $48,416 |
| 2025 | $48,000 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for E&I First Class roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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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