As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead System Engineer in the United States is $183,765 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.
However, a Lead System Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead System 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 Lead System 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 Lead System Engineer | $174,029 |
| Intermediate Level Lead System Engineer | $175,266 |
| Senior Level Lead System Engineer | $176,297 |
| Specialist Level Lead System Engineer | $178,977 |
| Expert Level Lead System Engineer | $186,844 |
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 Lead System Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead System 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 Lead System Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $172,162 and $184,824).
Lead System Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 9.1% |
| Bachelors | 56.7% |
| Masters | 23.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.8% |
Understanding how a Lead System 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 a Lead System Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $181,822 in 2023 to around $177,389 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead System Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $181,822 |
| 2024 | $179,954 |
| 2025 | $177,389 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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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