As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Design Engineer in the United States is $128,680 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Design 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Digital D... Level Design Engineer | $81,258 |
| Digital D... Level Design Engineer | $102,267 |
| Design En... Level Design Engineer | $127,485 |
| Digital D... Level Design Engineer | $161,182 |
| Digital D... Level Design Engineer | $190,904 |
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 Design Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.53% |
| Perl | 4.05% |
| Algorithms | 2.43% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Perl
|
$140,261 |
9%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$136,401 |
6%
|
|
Scripting Language
|
$136,401 |
6%
|
|
Computer Engineering
|
$135,114 |
5%
|
|
Python
|
$135,114 |
5%
|
|
Test Plans
|
$135,114 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Design 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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Design Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $132,795 in 2023 to around $124,244 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Design Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $132,795 |
| 2024 | $129,572 |
| 2025 | $124,244 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Design Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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