As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Development Engineer in the United States is $116,973 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Project Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Development 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 Project Development 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 Project Development Engineer | $113,356 |
| Intermediate Level Project Development Engineer | $113,618 |
| Senior Level Project Development Engineer | $114,665 |
| Specialist Level Project Development Engineer | $119,186 |
| Expert Level Project Development Engineer | $121,398 |
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 Project Development Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.08% |
| Computer Vision | 2.84% |
| Deep Learning | 2.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep Learning
|
$127,501 |
9%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$125,161 |
7%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$123,991 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$123,991 |
6%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$121,652 |
4%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$121,652 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Development 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 Project Development Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,563 and $123,542).
Project Development Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 14.7% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
Understanding how a Project Development 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Project Development Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $119,519 in 2023 to around $118,237 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Development Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $119,519 |
| 2024 | $119,920 |
| 2025 | $118,237 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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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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