Lockheed Martin starting pay in 2026
Starting pay at Lockheed Martin depends on your role type, degree level, and location. Here's what new hires can expect.
Starting salary by education
| Education | Typical Level | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma | Technician | $40,000–$55,000 |
| Associate's degree | Technician / E1 | $45,000–$65,000 |
| Bachelor's (engineering) | E1 | $65,000–$85,000 |
| Master's (engineering) | E1–E2 | $75,000–$95,000 |
| PhD | E2–E3 | $90,000–$115,000 |
Starting pay by location
The same E1 role pays differently depending on cost of living:
| Location | E1 Engineer Starting | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TX | $68,000–$80,000 | Low (no state tax) |
| Orlando, FL | $65,000–$78,000 | Low-moderate (no state tax) |
| Denver, CO | $72,000–$85,000 | Moderate |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $82,000–$95,000 | High |
| DC Metro (Bethesda) | $78,000–$90,000 | High |
Intern pay
LM interns are paid hourly, well above federal minimum:
| Intern Level | Hourly Rate | Monthly (~160 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $23–$28/hr | $3,680–$4,480 |
| Graduate | $28–$35/hr | $4,480–$5,600 |
Interns also receive some benefits: housing stipend (varies by location), and access to the intern program network.
LM's 6% match + 4% automatic contribution kicks in from your first day. On a $75K starting salary, that's $7,500/year in free retirement money — one of the best starting benefits in the defense industry.
How fast does pay grow?
Most E1 engineers reach E2 within 2-3 years and E3 within 4-6 years. Each level jump is roughly 15-20% more pay. An E1 starting at $75K can expect $90K+ at E2 and $105K+ at E3.
See our LM engineer salary guide and LM careers overview. Browse Lockheed Martin positions on Zero G Talent.
