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How much does a Design Engineer make?

The average salary for a Design Engineer is $114,627 per year in the US.

A Design Engineer plays a key role in creating new products. They come up with ideas and plans for how things should look and work. If you are considering a job as a Design Engineer, you might wonder about the salary. On average, Design Engineers earn about $114,627 a year. This is a good pay for the skills and creativity they bring to the table.

The salary for Design Engineers can vary based on experience and the industry. New engineers might start around $46,000. With more experience, salaries can go up. Experienced Design Engineers can earn between $112,909 and $163,091 a year. The highest earners, who have many years of experience, can make up to $230,000 per year. This shows that there are good opportunities for growth in this career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Design Engineer?

Job seekers looking to pursue Design Engineer roles can find great opportunities in several high-paying cities. San Jose, CA, leads with an average salary of $172,606, offering top-tier compensation. Close behind, San Diego, CA, provides an average salary of $168,303, making it another excellent choice for professionals. In the southwestern U.S., Austin, TX, stands out with an average salary of $162,508, presenting a solid career path. Other cities like San Francisco, CA, and Albuquerque, NM, also offer competitive salaries, enhancing the appeal of these locations for Design Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Design Engineer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $172,606 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $132,465.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $172,606
    San Jose offers a dynamic environment for engineering talent. Silicon Valley is home to many tech giants, providing opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects. Companies like Apple and Intel are known for their innovation, offering challenging roles for engineers.
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  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $168,303
    San Diego combines beautiful weather with a strong tech industry. The city hosts many tech firms, including Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic. Engineers here enjoy a balanced lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $162,508
    Austin is known for its vibrant tech scene and friendly atmosphere. Companies like Dell and IBM provide ample opportunities for growth. The city's emphasis on innovation makes it an exciting place for engineers.
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  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $156,450
    San Francisco's tech hub offers a unique blend of innovation and culture. Working for companies like Google and Salesforce means being at the forefront of technology. The city's dynamic environment fosters creativity and advancement.
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  5. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $145,689
    Albuquerque combines a lower cost of living with a strong tech industry. The city has a growing number of tech companies, providing a supportive environment for engineers. The Sandia National Laboratories also offer unique opportunities in research and development.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $143,935
    Los Angeles offers a diverse job market with opportunities in entertainment tech and aerospace. Companies like Boeing and Raytheon provide diverse projects. The city's entertainment industry also offers unique challenges for creative engineers.
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  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $138,987
    Washington, DC combines government work with private sector opportunities. Engineers can find roles in both tech firms and government agencies. The city's vibrant culture and networking opportunities make it an attractive place for career growth.
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  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $138,303
    Boulder is known for its natural beauty and strong tech community. The city is home to companies like Ball Aerospace. Engineers here enjoy a high quality of life with plenty of outdoor activities.
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  9. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $133,048
    Salt Lake City offers a growing tech scene with a lower cost of living. Companies like Adobe and Zions Bank provide innovative opportunities. The city's strong community and outdoor lifestyle enhance the work experience.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $132,465
    Boston combines historic charm with a thriving tech industry. Working for companies like Raytheon and Liberty Mutual means being part of cutting-edge projects. The city's educational institutions also provide ample opportunities for collaboration and learning.
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What are the best companies a Design Engineer can work for?

Design Engineers can earn top salaries at tech giants. Apple, Micron Technology, and Microsoft lead with the highest average salaries. These companies offer competitive pay and exciting opportunities. Companies like Astera Labs, NVIDIA, and Intel Corporation also provide good compensation packages. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Structures follow closely behind, offering lucrative roles. These firms value skilled Design Engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Design Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $210,864 and Structures with the lowest at $174,136.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $210,864
    Apple is a top company where Design Engineers create and improve electronic devices. It operates in the U.S. and many other countries. Apple values innovation, so the work is exciting and impactful.


  2. Micron Technology
    Average Salary: $207,178
    Micron Technology focuses on memory and storage technology. Design Engineers at Micron work on projects in the U.S. and across the globe. The company values teamwork and technical excellence.


  3. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $195,718
    Microsoft offers Design Engineers a chance to work on cutting-edge software and hardware. It has locations in the U.S. and worldwide. Microsoft fosters a culture of creativity and innovation.


  4. Astera Labs
    Average Salary: $194,700
    Astera Labs specializes in interface and connectivity solutions. Design Engineers here work in the U.S. and internationally. They focus on developing high-performance products.


  5. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $190,188
    NVIDIA is a leader in graphics processing technology. Design Engineers here work in the U.S. and around the world. They focus on pushing the boundaries of graphics and AI.


  6. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $187,903
    Intel Corporation is known for its processors and technology solutions. Design Engineers work in the U.S. and globally. They focus on innovation and making powerful technology.


  7. Google
    Average Salary: $181,571
    Google offers Design Engineers a chance to work on search and internet-related projects. It has locations in the U.S. and worldwide. The company values creativity and impact.


  8. KLA Tencor International Corp
    Average Salary: $179,798
    KLA Tencor works on manufacturing technology for the semiconductor industry. Design Engineers here work in the U.S. and internationally. They focus on precision and advanced technology.


  9. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $174,964
    AWS offers Design Engineers a chance to work on cloud computing services. It has locations in the U.S. and globally. They focus on scalability and innovation.


  10. Structures
    Average Salary: $174,136
    Structures is focused on semiconductor testing and packaging. Design Engineers work in the U.S. and around the world. They focus on creating reliable and efficient solutions.

How to earn more as a Design Engineer?

Becoming a Design Engineer opens up many opportunities to earn more in the industry. Design Engineers can increase their earning potential by focusing on specific areas of growth. One important step is gaining more experience and expertise in your field. This experience can lead to higher-paying positions and more responsibility. Another key factor is obtaining advanced certifications. These credentials can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Specializing in high-demand areas can also lead to higher earnings. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical device design often offer competitive salaries. Networking with industry professionals can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations. Continuing education is another crucial factor. Attending workshops, seminars, and courses keeps your skills up to date and makes you a valuable asset to employers. All of these steps can lead to a more rewarding career as a Design Engineer.

Here are some ways to earn more as a Design Engineer:

  1. Gain more experience and expertise
  2. Obtain advanced certifications
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas
  4. Network with industry professionals
  5. Continue education and training

Currently 1,112 Design Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Design Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Design Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Design Engineer today.
Position
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Design Engineer
1,112 Job Openings