As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Engineer III in the United States is $110,155 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, an Applications Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Applications Engineer III'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 an Applications Engineer III'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 |
|---|---|
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer III | $77,261 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer III | $99,634 |
| Applicati... Level Applications Engineer III | $109,371 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer III | $138,789 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer III | $156,987 |
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 Applications Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.94% |
| Software Engineering | 2.6% |
| Security Testing | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Information Security
|
$118,967 |
8%
|
|
Microservices
|
$116,764 |
6%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$116,764 |
6%
|
|
Linux
|
$114,561 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$114,561 |
4%
|
|
Python
|
$114,561 |
4%
|
For Applications Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Applications Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $132,186 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $129,983 | $62.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $126,678 | $61.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $123,374 | $59.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $121,171 | $58.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Applications Engineer IIIs 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 an Applications Engineer III with a Associate's Degree is between $111,649 and $119,010).
Applications Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.1% |
| Associates | 5.4% |
| Bachelors | 44.3% |
| Masters | 38.7% |
| Doctorate | 9.3% |
Understanding how an Applications Engineer III'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, 2026Salaries for an Applications Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $123,900 in 2023 to around $121,154 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Applications Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $123,900 |
| 2024 | $123,560 |
| 2025 | $121,154 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Applications Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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