Systems Support Engineer
Installed Building Products LLC – Columbus, OH
How much does a 1st Line Support Engineer make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a 1st Line Support Engineer in the United States is $39,457 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a 1st Line Support Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
1st Line Support Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,944 | $3,662 | $845 | $21 |
| Average | $39,457 | $3,288 | $759 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,020 | $3,002 | $693 | $17 |
A 1st Line Support 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 1st Line Support 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level 1st Line Support Engineer | less than 1 year | $37,910 |
| Early Career Level 1st Line Support Engineer | 1-2 years | $38,647 |
| Mid-Level Level 1st Line Support Engineer | 2-4 years | $40,392 |
| Senior-Level Level 1st Line Support Engineer | 5-8 years | $40,579 |
| Expert Level 1st Line Support Engineer | over 8 years | $40,704 |
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 1st Line Support Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 1st Line Support Engineer professionals enter the field with a Associate's 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 1st Line Support Engineer with a Associate's is between $30,440 and $33,434.
| Typical Education for 1st Line Support Engineer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.8% |
| High School | 14.4% |
| Associate's Degree | 19.2% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 51.2% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 14.4% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 0% |
Understanding how a 1st Line Support 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 | $43,944 | $3,662 | $845 | $21 |
| Average | $39,457 | $3,288 | $759 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,020 | $3,002 | $693 | $17 |
Salaries for a 1st Line Support Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,473 in 2023 to around $43,973 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 1st Line Support Engineer salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $44,473 |
| 2024 | $44,384 |
| 2025 | $43,973 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for 1st Line Support Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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