How much does a Engineer make?
Engineers play a vital role in many industries, and their work often pays well. The average yearly salary for engineers is $109,193. This figure shows that many engineers earn a good living. Engineers can work in many areas, from construction to technology, which means there are many opportunities to earn a solid income.
Here’s a closer look at engineer salaries across different levels of experience:
- The lowest 10 percent earn around $38,000.
- The next 20 percent make between $54,545 and $71,091.
- About 25 percent earn between $71,091 and $87,636.
- The next 20 percent bring in $87,636 to $120,727.
- Finally, the top 10 percent earn over $137,273.
What are the highest paying cities for a Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $167,087
San Francisco is known for its tech hub. Many engineers work for top companies like Google and Salesforce. The city offers a vibrant job market and great pay.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $151,328
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. Engineers here work for tech giants like Apple and Adobe. It's a place with many opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $129,471
Hartford has a mix of big companies and startups. Engineers find jobs with companies like United Technologies. The city offers a balance of work and a good quality of life.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $127,621
Seattle is a tech powerhouse with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Engineers enjoy a lively atmosphere and good perks. The city's culture makes it a great place to work.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $124,121
Boston has a rich history of innovation. Engineers here work for companies like General Electric. The city offers both historical charm and modern opportunities.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $122,303
Austin is known for its tech growth. Engineers work for companies like Dell and Apple. The city offers a fun, laid-back environment with lots of job options.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $122,186
San Diego is a hub for biotech and tech. Engineers work for companies like Qualcomm. The city offers beautiful weather and a high quality of life.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $121,982
Colorado Springs is known for its high-tech environment. Engineers work for companies like Lockheed Martin. The city offers a mix of outdoor activities and tech jobs.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $118,071
Stockton offers a growing tech scene. Engineers work for companies like Pacific Gas and Electric. The city is becoming a great place for tech jobs with a lower cost of living.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $117,801
Washington, DC is a hub for tech and government. Engineers work for companies like Amazon and Google. The city offers a blend of tech innovation and political influence.
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What are the best companies a Engineer can work for?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $337,315
OpenAI offers exciting Engineer roles with a focus on cutting-edge AI research. Based in San Francisco, the company is looking for talent to join their innovative team.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $260,482
Intuit provides opportunities for Engineers in many locations, including Mountain View and Phoenix. They focus on developing financial software for small businesses and individuals.
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Arm
Average Salary: $242,527
Arm is a leader in chip design. They have Engineer positions in multiple cities like Cambridge and San Jose. They seek professionals who can design high-performance processors.
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NVIDIA
Average Salary: $218,115
NVIDIA is known for graphics and computing technology. Engineer roles are available in Santa Clara and other locations. They focus on graphics processing units and AI.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $208,046
Wells Fargo offers Engineer jobs in cities like San Francisco and Charlotte. They focus on financial services technology, looking for skilled Engineers to improve their systems.
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Apple
Average Salary: $204,029
Apple offers Engineer positions in Cupertino and other locations. They focus on consumer electronics and software, seeking talented Engineers to join their team.
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Whatnot
Average Salary: $198,667
Whatnot is a growing e-commerce platform. They offer Engineer roles in New York City, focusing on live commerce and social shopping experiences.
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Micron Technology, Inc.
Average Salary: $198,184
Micron Technology, Inc. has Engineer jobs in Boise and other locations. They focus on semiconductor technology, looking for Engineers to work on memory and storage solutions.
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Starbucks
Average Salary: $197,447
Starbucks offers Engineer roles in Seattle and other locations. They focus on the coffee retail industry, seeking Engineers to innovate in their supply chain and technology.
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LaunchDarkly
Average Salary: $193,607
LaunchDarkly offers Engineer positions in San Francisco and other locations. They focus on software development, looking for Engineers to help manage software releases and feature flags.
How to earn more as a Engineer?
Engineers can find many ways to increase their earnings. Working in the right industry can help. Some fields, like software or aerospace, often pay more than others. Engineers who work in these high-paying sectors tend to earn more.
Gaining relevant experience is another key factor. Experience brings expertise. Engineers with more years in the field often command higher salaries. They have learned skills that make them valuable. Specialization in a niche area can also increase earnings. Companies will pay more for unique skills and knowledge.
Certifications and advanced degrees can boost an engineer's salary. Certifications show a commitment to the profession. They can lead to higher-paying jobs. A master's degree or a professional engineering license can open doors to better-paying roles.
Location matters as well. Salaries can vary greatly between cities and countries. Urban areas often offer higher wages to cover the higher cost of living. Relocating to a high-paying region can lead to better financial rewards.
Networking and staying connected with industry professionals can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Engineers who build strong professional relationships often hear about better-paying jobs. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can make a big difference.
Engineers can find many paths to increase their earnings. They can work in high-paying industries, gain experience, get certifications, consider their location, and network with others. These steps can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.



