As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Project Engineer in West Mclean, VA is $172,303 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Lead Project Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Project 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 a Lead Project 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 |
|---|---|
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $128,242 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $146,690 |
| Lead Proj... Level Lead Project Engineer | $172,134 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $90,611 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $128,439 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.83% |
| Installation | 2.73% |
| Land Development | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$179,195 |
4%
|
|
Quality Control
|
$177,472 |
3%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$175,749 |
2%
|
|
Coordination
|
$175,749 |
2%
|
|
Initiative
|
$175,749 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$175,749 |
2%
|
For Lead Project Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 23% above the average. In contrast, Lead Project Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Project Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $211,932 | $102.0 | 23% |
| Internet | $208,486 | $100.0 | 21% |
| Software & Networking | $208,486 | $100.0 | 21% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $203,317 | $98.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $196,425 | $94.0 | 14% |
Understanding how a Lead Project 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 Lead Project Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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