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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Field Test Engineer in Virginia is $86,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Field Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Field Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,432 | $8,036 | $1,854 | $46 |
| Average | $86,950 | $7,246 | $1,672 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,210 | $6,434 | $1,485 | $37 |
J5 Consulting - McLean, VA
DANE LLC - Chantilly, VA
Electro-Mechanical Corporation - Bristol, VA
DANE LLC - Arlington, VA
A Field Test 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Field Test 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 Field Test Engineer | $84,244 |
| Intermediate Level Field Test Engineer | $84,650 |
| Senior Level Field Test Engineer | $86,003 |
| Specialist Level Field Test Engineer | $87,626 |
| Expert Level Field Test Engineer | $90,207 |
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 Field Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Field Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Field Test Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Field Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $113,035 | $54.0 | 30% |
| Healthcare | $95,645 | $46.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Field Test 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $96,432 | $8,036 | $1,854 | $46 |
| Average | $86,950 | $7,246 | $1,672 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,210 | $6,434 | $1,485 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Field Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Altron Inc
Manassas, VA
Altron Inc | Manassas, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our team in Manassas, VA. In this role, you will be responsible for s... more
5 Days Ago
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Virginia Beach, VA
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Virginia Beach, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range: $85,000.00-104,000.00 per year. Role and Responsibilities. Full Time position supporting the TESS Task Orde... more
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ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Wallops Island, VA
ADVANTEDGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Wallops Island, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range: $88,000.00-100,000.00 per year. Role and Responsibilities. Full Time position supporting the TESS Task Orde... more
4 Days Ago
E-volve Technology Systems, Inc.
Reston, VA
E-volve Technology Systems, Inc. | Reston, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Description. E-volve Technology Systems, Inc. is hiring a Software Tester to work in support of an Intelligence ... more
1 Day Ago
Electra
Manassas, VA
Electra | Manassas, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Principal Systems Test EngineerAbout ElectraAt Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircra... more
1 Day Ago
AERMOR LLC
Norfolk, VA
AERMOR LLC | Norfolk, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Location. Norfolk, VA. Clearance. Secret. Position Type. Full-Time. AERMOR. is seeking a. Journeyman Test and Evaluation ... more
2 Days Ago
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