Geotechnical Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Foundation design, soil analysis, and subsurface engineering
Average Geotechnical Engineer Salary
How Much Do Geotechnical Engineers Earn in 2025?
Geotechnical engineers analyze soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to design foundations, retaining structures, slopes, and underground construction. They work on buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, and infrastructure projects, ensuring structural stability and safety.
2025 geotechnical engineer salaries show steady demand: average $75,000–$100,000, with entry-level starting at $60,000–$75,000 and senior engineers earning $95,000–$130,000. PE (Professional Engineer) license is critical for advancement and adds $10,000–$20,000 to earning potential.
Specialization impacts pay: tunneling and dam engineers command premiums ($90,000–$140,000), while environmental geotechnical work and forensic engineering also pay well. Infrastructure spending and construction activity drive demand. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Geotechnical Engineer Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| National Average Range | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Entry-Level (0–3 yrs) | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Senior (7+ yrs, PE) | $95,000–$130,000 |
| Principal/Associate | $120,000–$160,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $35–$60/hour |
Use our salary calculator to convert rates.
Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–3 yrs) | $60K–$75K | EIT, field work, analysis |
| Mid-level (3–7 yrs) | $75K–$95K | PE exam prep, project roles |
| Senior (7–12 yrs) | $95K–$125K | PE license, project manager |
| Principal (12+ yrs) | $120K–$160K | Technical leadership |
| Director/Partner | $150K–$200K+ | Firm leadership, ownership |
Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer (0–3 Years)
Salary: $60,000–$75,000
Focus: Field investigations, soil sampling, laboratory testing, basic analysis, report writing.
Requirements: BS in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering. Pass FE exam to become EIT (Engineer in Training).
Senior Geotechnical Engineer (7–12 Years)
Salary: $95,000–$125,000
Focus: Complex analysis, project management, client relationships, mentoring juniors.
Requirements: PE license essential. May specialize in foundations, slopes, or tunneling.
Principal/Associate (12+ Years)
Salary: $120,000–$160,000
Focus: Technical leadership, business development, firm management, expert witness work.
PE License Impact on Salary
| License Status | Salary Impact | Career Impact |
|---|---|---|
| EIT (No PE) | Baseline | Limited advancement |
| PE License | +$10K–$20K | Required for senior roles |
| PE + Specialty Cert | +$15K–$25K | Expert recognition |
Why PE License Matters
PE (Professional Engineer) license is essential for geotechnical engineers to stamp drawings and reports, take legal responsibility for designs, and advance to senior positions. Most states require 4 years of experience under a PE before sitting for the PE exam. PE geotechnical engineers earn $95,000–$130,000 versus non-PE at $70,000–$90,000.
Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Location
| Location | Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| California | $90K–$130K | Seismic, high construction |
| New York | $85K–$120K | Infrastructure, tunneling |
| Texas | $75K–$105K | Oil & gas, development |
| Washington | $80K–$115K | Seismic, slopes |
| Colorado | $75K–$110K | Mountain construction |
| National Average | $75K–$100K | Baseline |
California (Highest-Paying)
Salary: $90,000–$130,000 (+20–30% premium)
Seismic design requirements, high construction activity, complex geology. Strong demand in Bay Area and Southern California.
Field Work Considerations
Geotechnical engineering requires field work—site investigations, drilling supervision, testing. Remote work limited compared to other engineering fields. Travel to project sites common.
Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Specialization
| Specialization | Salary Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Tunneling/Underground | $90K–$140K | +15–25% |
| Dam Engineering | $85K–$130K | +10–20% |
| Seismic/Earthquake | $85K–$125K | +10–15% |
| Forensic Geotechnical | $90K–$140K | +15–25% |
| Environmental Geotech | $75K–$110K | +5–10% |
| Foundation Design | $75K–$105K | Baseline |
Tunneling/Underground (Highest Premium)
Salary: $90,000–$140,000
Complex projects, specialized knowledge, high-value infrastructure. Major transit and utility projects drive demand.
Forensic Geotechnical Engineering
Salary: $90,000–$140,000
Investigates failures, provides expert testimony. Requires extensive experience and strong communication skills.
Geotechnical Engineer Salary by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Salary Range | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Large Engineering Firms | $80K–$120K | AECOM, Jacobs, WSP |
| Specialty Geotech Firms | $75K–$115K | Focused expertise |
| Construction Companies | $80K–$115K | Field-focused |
| Government | $70K–$100K | Stability, benefits |
| Small Consulting | $65K–$100K | Varied experience |
How to Increase Your Geotechnical Engineer Salary
Obtain PE License
PE license adds $10K–$20K. Essential for senior roles and project leadership.
Specialize in High-Value Areas
Tunneling and forensic pay $90K–$140K versus general $75K–$105K (+20–35%).
Relocate to High-Demand States
California pays $90K–$130K versus national $75K–$100K (+20–30%).
Pursue Advanced Degree
MS adds $5K–$15K. PhD opens research and specialist roles.
Progress to Principal/Partner
Principal engineers earn $120K–$160K, partners at small firms $150K–$200K+.
See our salary negotiation guide.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Staff Geotechnical Engineer | $60K–$75K |
| Mid | Project Engineer | $75K–$95K |
| Senior | Senior Geotechnical Engineer | $95K–$125K |
| Principal | Principal Engineer | $120K–$160K |
| Leadership | Director/Partner | $150K–$200K+ |
Related Roles
Civil Engineer: $70,000–$105,000
Construction Manager: $85,000–$130,000
Structural Engineer: $75,000–$115,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average geotechnical engineer salary in 2025?
Geotechnical engineers earn $75,000–$100,000 on average. Entry-level earns $60,000–$75,000, mid-level $75,000–$95,000, senior $95,000–$130,000, and principal $120,000–$160,000. PE license adds $10K–$20K.
Can geotechnical engineers make $100K?
Yes. Senior geotechnical engineers with PE license earn $95K–$130K. California pays $90K–$130K. Tunneling and forensic specialists earn $90K–$140K. Principal engineers reach $120K–$160K. See jobs that pay $100K.
Is PE license required for geotechnical engineers?
Not required for entry-level but essential for career advancement. PEs can stamp drawings, take legal responsibility, and advance to senior/principal roles. Requires 4 years experience under PE + passing PE exam. PE license adds $10K–$20K salary premium.
What's the job outlook for geotechnical engineers?
Strong. Infrastructure investment (roads, bridges, transit), construction activity, and climate-related challenges (slope stability, flooding) drive demand. BLS projects 5% growth for civil engineers through 2032. Seismic regions and major metropolitan areas have highest demand.
Is geotechnical engineering a good career?
Yes. Solid salaries ($75K–$160K range), stable demand, meaningful work on important infrastructure. Requires field work and site visits. Best for those who enjoy geology, hands-on investigation, and solving complex soil/foundation problems. PE license critical for advancement.