Project Controls Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Project Controls Engineer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Controls Engineer I in the United States is $94,136 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

However, a Project Controls Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $105,620
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,405 to $100,147
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,277
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View as table View as graph 25% $87,405 10% $81,277 90% $105,620 75% $100,147 $94,136 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Project Controls Engineer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $100,147 $8,346 $1,926 $48
Average $94,136 $7,845 $1,810 $45
25th Percentile $87,405 $7,284 $1,681 $42
Check out Project Controls Engineer I Job Openings in the United States
Controls Project Specialist

Trane Technologies - Columbus, OH

Senior Controls Automation Engineer

Compass Tech International - Columbus, OH

Automation Controls Engineer

STAQ Pharma Inc - Columbus, OH

Electrical Design, Controls Engineer, Experienced

MJ Engineering - Columbus, OH

Search More Project Controls Engineer I Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Project Controls Engineer I Salaries

A Project Controls Engineer I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Project Controls Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Project Controls Engineer I'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $93,694
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $108,824
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $123,705
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $151,339
  • Expert (over 8 years): $166,492
Levels Salary
Project C... Level Project Controls Engineer I$93,694
Control &... Level Project Controls Engineer I$108,824
Control &... Level Project Controls Engineer I$123,705
Control &... Level Project Controls Engineer I$151,339
Control &... Level Project Controls Engineer I$166,492
$93,694 0 yr
$108,824 < 2 yrs
$123,705 2-4 yrs
$151,339 5-8 yrs
$166,492 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Project Controls Engineer I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Project Controls Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $104,227.
  • California: $103,832.
  • Massachusetts: $102,448.

Top Paying Cities for Project Controls Engineer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $118,733
  • San Francisco: $117,433
  • Oakland: $114,959

What Skills Can Increase a Project Controls Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.27% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 2.53% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 2.04% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.27%
Schematic 2.53%
Calibration 2.04%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Project Controls Engineer I's salary.
  • Algorithms: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Project Control: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • System Requirements: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Algorithms
$104,491
11%
Project Control
$103,549
10%
System Requirements
$103,549
10%
Systems Architecture
$102,608
9%
Computer Engineering
$101,667
8%
Flexibility
$101,667
8%
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Project Controls Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Controls Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Project Controls Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Controls Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Controls Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$127,083$61.035%
Biotechnology$122,376$59.030%
Software & Networking$122,376$59.030%
Energy & Utilities$117,670$57.025%
Aerospace & Defense$112,963$54.020%

Project Controls Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Project Controls Engineer I'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, 2026

Salary Trends for Project Controls Engineer I

Salaries for a Project Controls Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $76,268 in 2023 to around $75,249 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Controls Engineer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Project Controls Engineer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$76,268
2024
$75,829
2025
$75,249
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $76,268
2024 $75,829
2025 $75,249
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Project Controls Engineer I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Project Controls Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Project Controls Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Project Controls Engineer I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Controls Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Phillips Infrastructure

    Columbus, OH

    Phillips Infrastructure | Columbus, OH

    This role requires extensive travel. Summary. The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and managing engineering activiti... more

    7 Days Ago

  • BlastOne

    Columbus, OH

    BlastOne | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Overview. . Do you want to take ownership of the. technical design. of complex industrial projects and see your work come... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Ben Hur

    Columbus, OH

    Ben Hur | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. About Ben Hur ConstructionWith over a century of excellence, Ben Hur Construction has been a trusted name in the construc... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Purge Rite LLC

    Columbus, OH

    Purge Rite LLC | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). (Exempt/Non-Exempt): Exempt. Job Description. Job Title. Project Engineer. ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Ruscilli Construction

    Columbus, OH

    Ruscilli Construction | Columbus, OH

    Please submit any inquiries regarding this open position to sbahta@ruscilli.com only, all inquiries sent to others within the Company will NOT be considere... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Western Partitions, Inc.

    Columbus, OH

    Western Partitions, Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Project Engineer - Onsite. Western Partitions, Inc. (WPI) is one of the largest and most reputable interior and exterior ... more

    5 Days Ago

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FAQ about Project Controls Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Project Controls Engineer I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Controls Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

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