As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a 1st Assistant Engineer in the United States is $74,972 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a 1st Assistant Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 1st Assistant 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 1st Assistant 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 |
|---|---|
| 1st Assis... Level 1st Assistant Engineer | $73,702 |
| Civil Eng... Level 1st Assistant Engineer | $89,747 |
| Civil Eng... Level 1st Assistant Engineer | $105,189 |
| Civil Eng... Level 1st Assistant Engineer | $123,192 |
| Civil Eng... Level 1st Assistant Engineer | $147,153 |
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 1st Assistant Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.8% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.69% |
| CPR | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Analysis
|
$80,970 |
8%
|
|
CPR
|
$80,970 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$79,471 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$77,222 |
3%
|
|
Installation
|
$77,222 |
3%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$77,222 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 1st Assistant Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 1st Assistant Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $73,720 and $78,018).
1st Assistant Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 71.6% |
| Masters | 23.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.6% |
Understanding how a 1st Assistant 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a 1st Assistant Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,260 in 2023 to around $72,891 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 1st Assistant Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,260 |
| 2024 | $73,336 |
| 2025 | $72,891 |
| 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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