As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Engineer in the United States is $146,589 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
However, a Junior Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Junior 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 Junior 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 |
|---|---|
| Electrica... Level Junior Engineer | $100,798 |
| Electrica... Level Junior Engineer | $122,606 |
| Junior En... Level Junior Engineer | $145,986 |
| Electrica... Level Junior Engineer | $169,355 |
| Electrica... Level Junior Engineer | $203,836 |
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 Junior Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.89% |
| AutoCAD | 3.29% |
| Renewable Energy | 1.63% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$155,384 |
6%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$152,453 |
4%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$152,453 |
4%
|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$152,453 |
4%
|
|
Product Development
|
$152,453 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$150,987 |
3%
|
For Junior Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 52% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Junior Engineer positions in Internet or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Junior Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $178,839 | $86.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $168,577 | $81.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $164,180 | $79.0 | 12% |
| MFG Nondurable | $164,180 | $79.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $161,248 | $78.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Junior 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 Junior Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $135,331 and $141,444).
Junior Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 0.5% |
| Bachelors | 44.6% |
| Masters | 41.6% |
| Doctorate | 12.6% |
Understanding how a Junior 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, 2026Salaries for a Junior Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,861 in 2023 to around $140,465 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Junior Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $141,861 |
| 2024 | $142,998 |
| 2025 | $140,465 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Junior Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 22% 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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