As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Assistant Engineer in the United States is $140,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a First Assistant Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A First Assistant 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 a First Assistant 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 First Assistant Engineer | $134,550 |
| Intermediate Level First Assistant Engineer | $135,680 |
| Senior Level First Assistant Engineer | $137,940 |
| Specialist Level First Assistant Engineer | $141,329 |
| Expert Level First Assistant Engineer | $144,844 |
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 First Assistant Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.26% |
| Algorithms | 2.56% |
| Cost Analysis | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Negotiating
|
$158,426 |
13%
|
|
Planning
|
$155,622 |
11%
|
|
Leadership
|
$150,014 |
7%
|
|
Power Transmission
|
$148,612 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$148,612 |
6%
|
|
Market Research
|
$148,612 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many First Assistant Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a First Assistant Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $130,498 and $139,331).
First Assistant Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.7% |
| High School | 8.7% |
| Associates | 4.3% |
| Bachelors | 39.1% |
| Masters | 39.1% |
| Doctorate | 8.7% |
Understanding how a First Assistant 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a First Assistant Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $133,452 in 2023 to around $127,501 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of First Assistant Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $133,452 |
| 2024 | $129,907 |
| 2025 | $127,501 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for First Assistant Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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