Depends on luck and timing I would say. The range is pretty big. I see some engineers starting at IPS5 whilst others starting as IPS7. Try to get more experience outside and use years of experience to fight for higher starting pay. Unfortunately unless you are one of those "high flyer" and get promoted every few years the pay is quite stagnant once you get in.

As crude as one of the previous posters stated (about helicopter in), it is still true.

Helicopter in higher (preferably IPS7 and above). Else it won't be worth it.