As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Release Engineer III in the United States is $123,018 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Release Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Release Engineer III'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 Release Engineer III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Engineer I | 0-2 years | $73,921 |
| Release Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,341 |
| Release Engineer III | 4-7 years | $123,018 |
| Release Engineer IV | 7+ years | $139,253 |
| Release Engineer V | 7-10 years | $171,936 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Release Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.69% |
| Release Engineering | 3.28% |
| Git | 2.11% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Git
|
$130,399 |
6%
|
|
Python
|
$130,399 |
6%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$129,169 |
5%
|
|
AWS
|
$129,169 |
5%
|
|
Docker
|
$127,939 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$126,709 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Release Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Release Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $113,678 and $119,524).
Release Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 8.0% |
| Associates | 5.2% |
| Bachelors | 60.6% |
| Masters | 23.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.0% |
Understanding how a Release Engineer III'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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Release Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Release Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $139,253 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Release Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $125,942 in 2023 to around $124,401 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Release Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $125,942 |
| 2024 | $125,843 |
| 2025 | $124,401 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Release Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Release Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Release Engineer III is $155,163.
The highest pay for Release Engineer III is $138,642.
The lowest pay for Release Engineer III is $99,678.
Responsible for software builds and releases. Responsible for the design and development of builds, scripts, installation procedures, and systems including source code control and issue tracking. Works closely with a quality assurance team to ensure final version is up to organizational standards. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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