This information comes from the NSPE's Engineering and Salary Survey. NSPE members who take part in the survey get free, unlimited access to complete survey data.
Engineer Level I	Engineer Level II	Engineer Level III	Engineer IV
Engineer Level V	Engineer Level VI	Engineer Level VII	Engineer Level VIII

Engineer Level I

General Characteristics: Acquires limited knowledge and develops basic skills. Applies prescribed techniques and procedures in accordance with established criteria to perform assigned tasks. Performs routine technical work which does not require previous experience. Acquires an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilites.

Technical Responsibilities: Collects data and gathers information or documents. Performs standard computations or analysis. Prepares drawings and visual aids. Observes construction activities. Performs basic survey work.

Managerial Responsibilities: No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Direction Received: Receives close supervision on all aspects of assignments.

Communication Skills: Possesses basic oral and written communication skills. Interacts with other staff.

Typical Titles: Engineer in Training, Engineering Intern, Assistance Engineer, Junior Engineer, Staff Engineer, Engineering

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-5

Engineer Level II

General Characteristics: Acquires basic knowledge and develops skills in a specific practice area. Applies standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform assigned tasks as a part of a broader assignment. Exercises limited judgment on details of work and in application of standard methods for conventional work.

Technical Responsibilities: Performs basic design tasks. Assists on other tasks such as: preparation of permit applications, material testing, and CADD work.

Managerial Responsibilities: Assigns tasks to and coordinates with technicians or administrative staff.

Direction Received: Receives close supervision on unusual or difficult problems, and general review of all aspects of work.

Communication Skills: Interacts with staff, general public, officials, and contractors.

Typical Titles: Engineer in Training, Engineering Intern, Assistance Engineer, Junior Engineer, Staff Engineer, Engineering

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-7

Engineer Level III

General Characteristics: Develops broad knowledge and skills in a specific practice area. Evaluates, selects, and applies standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform a task or sequence of tasks for conventional projects with few complex features. Collaboratively uses judgment to determine adaptations in methods for non-routine aspects of assignments. Work on small projects or portions of larger projects.

Technical Responsibilities: Performs moderate design tasks. Prepares portions of project documents. Edits specifications. Performs research and investigations.

Managerial Responsibilities: Assigns tasks to and coordinates work with entry-level engineers, technicians, or administrative staff. Assists in determining schedule and budget requirements.

Direction Received: Receives instruction on specific objectives. Receives direction on unconventional and/or complex problems, and possible solutions. Receives a thorough review of completed work for application of sound professional judgment.

Communication Skills: Possesses effective oral and written communication skills. Assists with client, customer, or official contacts and communication pertaining to specific assignments or meetings.

Typical Titles: Engineer in Training, Engineering Intern, Assistance Engineer, Junior Engineer, Staff Engineer, Engineering

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-9

Engineer Level IV

General Characteristics: Applies broad knowledge of principles in a specific practice area. Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Acquires general knowledge of principles and practices of related fields, and ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. Works on multiple projects of moderate size or portions of major projects.

Technical Responsibilities: Designs a complete project, system, component, or process. Prepares complete project documents. Designs and conducts experiments, and analyzes and interprets data. Formulates and solves problems.

Managerial Responsibilities: Assigns tasks to and directs engineers, technicians and administrative staff. Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the engineering work. Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments. Assists with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineering projects or programs.

Direction Received: Receives general direction on key objectives. Receives guidance when necessary on unconventional or complex problems, direction on modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria.

Communication Skills: Interacts with clients, customers, officials, contractors, and others. Attends project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignment.

Typical Titles: Civil Engineer, Associate Engineer, Project Engineer, Resident Engineer, Assistant Professor

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-11

Engineer Level V

General Characteristics: Independently applies extensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and relates fields. Uses advanced techniques in the modification or extension of theories and practices of sciences and disiplines to complete assignments. Works on a major project or several projects of moderate scope with complex features.

Technical Responsibilities: Reviews complete project documents for conformity and quality assurance. Develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products. Assists upper level management and staff as a techinical specialist or advisor.

Managerial Responsibilities: Supervises all staff necessary to complete assignments. Reviews and approves scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments. Prepares proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineerig projects or programs.

Direction Received: Receives supervision and guidance relating to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Receives direction on unusual conditions and developments.

Communication Skills: Possesses advanced oral and written communications skills. Represents the organization in communications and conferences pertaining to broad aspects of engineering assignments.

Typical Titles: Senior Engineer, Project Manager, Associate Professor

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-12

Engineer Level VI

General Characteristics: Applies a thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering as related to the variety of aspects affecting their organization. Applies knowledge and expertise acquired through progressive experience to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions. Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their organization, and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of programs. Works on programs of limited complexity and scope.

Technical Responsibilities: Serves as the technical specialist for the organization in the application of advanced concepts, principles, and methods in an assigned area. Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organizaiton for the purpose of recommending changes in programs or applications. Interprets, organizes, executes and coordinates assignments.

Managerial Responsibilities: Supervises a staff of engineers and technicians. Plans, schedules, or coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects, or is responsible for an entire proogram of an organization. Reviews operational procedures to insure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures.

Direction Received: Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.

Communication Skills: Routinely interacts with clients, customers, officials, contractors, and others. Leads project meetings and makes presentations. Represents the organization and maintains liaison with individuals and related organizations. 

Typical Titles: Principal Engineer, District Engineer, Engineering Manager, Professor

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-13

Engineer Level VII

General Characteristics: Uses creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented problems. Makes decisions and recommendations that are authoritative and have an important impact on extensive organizational activities. Sets priorities and reconciles directions from competing interests. Works on programs with complex features.

Technical Responsibilities: Develops standards amd guidelines. Leads the organization in a broad area of specialization or in narrow but intensely specialized field.

Managerial Responsibilities: Supervises several organizational segments or teams. Recommends facilities, personnel, and funds required to carry out programs. Oversees the technical, legal, and financial issues of an entire program. Determines program objectives and requirements. Develops standards and guidelines.

Direction Received: Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.

Communication Skills: Possesses exceptional oral and written communication skills. Routinely interacts with organizational leaders, clients, customers, officials, contractors, and others. Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and officals or other organizations and companies and is skilled in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues. 

Typical Titles: Director, Program Manager, City Engineer, County Engineer, Division Engineer, Department Head, Vice President

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-14

Engineer Level VIII

General Characteristics: Makes decisions with broad influence on the activites of their organizations. Makes authoritative decisions and recommendations that are conclusive, and have a far-reaching impact on the organization. Demonstrates a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing and quiding extensive programs and activities of major consequence.

Technical Responsibilities: Performs advisory or consulting work for the organization for broad program areas or an intensely specialized area with innovative or important aspects.

Managerial Responsibilities: Leads an entire program of critical importance. Decides the kind and extent of engineering and related programs needed for accomplishing the objectives of an organization.

Direction Received: Receives general administrative direction from a board of directors or regional council.

Communication Skills: Negotiates critical and controversial issues with top-level engineers and officers of other organizations and companies. Conducts presentations and may participate in media interviews. Represents their organization at important functions or conferences, including media interviews as required. 

Typical Titles: Bureau Engineer, Director of Public Works, Dean, President

Equivalent Federal General Schedule: GS-15, Senior Executive Service (SES)