As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Scientist in the United States is $107,282 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an Engineering Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineering Scientist'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 Scientist'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 |
|---|---|
| Engineer ... Level Engineering Scientist | $77,565 |
| Engineer ... Level Engineering Scientist | $89,699 |
| Engineeri... Level Engineering Scientist | $107,823 |
| Engineer ... Level Engineering Scientist | $136,469 |
| Engineer ... Level Engineering Scientist | $157,571 |
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 Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.08% |
| API | 2.09% |
| Java | 1.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
DevOps
|
$118,010 |
10%
|
|
JavaScript
|
$115,865 |
8%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$114,792 |
7%
|
|
AWS
|
$114,792 |
7%
|
|
Java
|
$113,719 |
6%
|
|
Team Development
|
$113,719 |
6%
|
For Engineering Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Engineering Scientist positions in Financial Services or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineering Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $150,195 | $72.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $139,467 | $67.0 | 30% |
| Media | $130,884 | $63.0 | 22% |
| Healthcare | $128,738 | $62.0 | 20% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $124,447 | $60.0 | 16% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineering Scientists 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 an Engineering Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,951 and $111,242).
Engineering Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 36.5% |
| Masters | 41.6% |
| Doctorate | 15.5% |
Understanding how an Engineering Scientist'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 Engineering Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $114,808 in 2023 to around $113,720 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $114,808 |
| 2024 | $114,961 |
| 2025 | $113,720 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineering Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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