As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Project Leader in the United States is $158,676 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, an Engineering Project Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineering Project Leader'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 Engineering Project Leader'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 |
|---|---|
| Project E... Level Engineering Project Leader | $118,612 |
| Project E... Level Engineering Project Leader | $135,680 |
| Engineeri... Level Engineering Project Leader | $159,220 |
| Project E... Level Engineering Project Leader | $83,831 |
| Project E... Level Engineering Project Leader | $118,802 |
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 Engineering Project Leaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.83% |
| Installation | 2.73% |
| Land Development | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$165,023 |
4%
|
|
Quality Control
|
$163,436 |
3%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$161,850 |
2%
|
|
Coordination
|
$161,850 |
2%
|
|
Initiative
|
$161,850 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$161,850 |
2%
|
For Engineering Project Leader roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 23% above the average. In contrast, Engineering Project Leader positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineering Project Leader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $195,171 | $94.0 | 23% |
| Internet | $191,998 | $92.0 | 21% |
| Software & Networking | $191,998 | $92.0 | 21% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $187,238 | $90.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $180,891 | $87.0 | 14% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineering Project Leaders enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Engineering Project Leader with a No Diploma is between $138,898 and $147,916).
Engineering Project Leader Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.7% |
| High School | 13.3% |
| Associates | 13.3% |
| Bachelors | 46.7% |
| Masters | 33.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Engineering Project Leader'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Engineering Project Leader can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $167,782 in 2023 to around $159,100 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Project Leader salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $167,782 |
| 2024 | $163,996 |
| 2025 | $159,100 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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