As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for engineer entry level in the US is $88,571, equivalent to $43 per hour, $1,703 weekly, or $7,381 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for engineer entry level in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for engineer entry level in the US vary widely, spanning from $75,464 to $100,269. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($81,710) and 75th percentile ($94,694), while top earners (90th percentile) make $100,269 per year. This $12,984 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Carpentry, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia engineer entry level often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 34 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
engineer entry level Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile engineer entry level Salary $75,464 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile engineer entry level Salary $81,710 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile engineer entry level Salary $88,571 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile engineer entry level Salary $94,694 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile engineer entry level Salary $100,269 US January 01, 2026
25% $81,710 10% $75,464 90% $100,269 75% $94,694 $88,571 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is An engineer entry level ?

An entry-level engineer typically earns a salary that varies based on factors such as industry, location, and educational background. Generally, starting salaries range from $60,000 to $80,000 annually. Responsibilities may include assisting in the design, development, and testing of engineering projects, collaborating with senior engineers, and participating in project planning and execution. Entry-level engineers are expected to apply fundamental engineering principles, utilize software tools, and contribute to problem-solving efforts. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement ar...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Job Openings for engineer entry level

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    engineer entry level

    0 - 2 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for An engineer entry level, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
81710
94694
88571

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
84129
98635
90586
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of engineer entry level in the United States. The base salary for engineer entry level ranges from $81,710 to $94,694 with the average base salary of $88,571. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $84,129 to $98,635 with the average total cash compensation of $90,586.

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81710
94694

 

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