As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Systems Engineer in the United States is $65,342 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, an Entry Level Systems Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Systems 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 an Entry Level Systems 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 Entry Level Systems Engineer | $62,565 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $63,382 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $66,957 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $70,151 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $70,949 |
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 Entry Level Systems Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | 4.32% |
| CAD | 2.66% |
| CNC | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Development
|
$81,678 |
25%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$75,797 |
16%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$71,876 |
10%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$71,876 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$71,876 |
10%
|
|
Conceptualization
|
$71,876 |
10%
|
For Entry Level Systems Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 15% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't., offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Entry Level Systems Engineer positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Entry Level Systems Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. | $71,876 | $35.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Systems Engineers 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 Entry Level Systems Engineer with a No Diploma is between $73,139 and $77,420).
Entry Level Systems Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 3.1% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 48.4% |
| Masters | 40.9% |
| Doctorate | 4.4% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Systems 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Entry Level Systems Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,892 in 2023 to around $51,471 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Systems Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $51,892 |
| 2024 | $51,731 |
| 2025 | $51,471 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Systems Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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