Position
Salary

How much does a Design Engineer make?

The average salary for a Design Engineer is $114,175 per year in the US.

Design Engineers play a critical role in developing and improving products. They work on creating new designs, testing them, and ensuring they meet all standards. Their efforts result in successful products that customers love. The average yearly salary for a Design Engineer stands at approximately $114,175. This figure reflects the essential skills and knowledge they bring to their roles.


Salary for Design Engineers varies based on experience and expertise. Entry-level positions may start around $45,000. Those with more experience can earn up to $230,000 per year. Specific industries, such as aerospace and automotive, often offer higher salaries. This range shows that career advancement and specialization can lead to significant salary growth. Job seekers can aim for higher salaries by gaining experience and expertise in their field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Design Engineer?

Seeking high pay as a Design Engineer? Consider cities like San Jose and San Diego in California. Both cities offer top-tier average salaries for Design Engineers. San Jose stands out with an average salary of $171,135, while San Diego follows closely with $167,108. Other cities such as Austin, TX, and San Francisco, CA, also provide excellent opportunities. Austin offers an average salary of $163,525, and San Francisco, $157,230. These cities boast strong industries that value skilled Design Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Design Engineer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $171,135 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $133,257.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $171,135
    Working in San Jose means being part of the tech hub where innovation thrives. Companies like Apple and Intel offer exciting challenges. Design Engineers here collaborate on cutting-edge tech.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $167,108
    San Diego offers a blend of coastal beauty and tech opportunities. Design Engineers here enjoy working for companies such as Qualcomm and Nokia. The work environment is dynamic and collaborative.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $163,525
    Austin is known for its vibrant culture and tech industry. Design Engineers here benefit from a growing job market. Companies like Dell and IBM provide innovative projects. The community is supportive and encouraging.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $157,230
    San Francisco is a city where creativity meets technology. Design Engineers here work for tech giants like Google and Facebook. The city offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $144,885
    Los Angeles offers a unique mix of entertainment and tech industries. Design Engineers here can find work with companies like Sony and Lionsgate. The city provides a diverse and dynamic work environment.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $144,447
    Albuquerque provides a more relaxed atmosphere with a strong tech sector. Design Engineers here work for companies like Sandia National Laboratories. The cost of living is lower, offering a good balance of work and lifestyle.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $138,807
    In Washington, DC, Design Engineers can find roles with government and tech companies. Working for firms like Lockheed Martin offers unique projects. The city provides a rich cultural experience and networking opportunities.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $136,479
    Boulder combines natural beauty with a strong tech presence. Design Engineers here work in a supportive community. Companies like Ball Aerospace offer innovative projects. The outdoors provide a great work-life balance.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Waco, TX
    Average Salary: $136,166
    Waco offers a small-town feel with a growing tech sector. Design Engineers here find opportunities with companies like Dell. The community is friendly and focused on education and growth.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Waco, TX


  10. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $133,257
    Salt Lake City provides a unique blend of natural scenery and tech opportunities. Design Engineers here can work with companies like DynCorp International. The city offers a high quality of life and a growing job market.
    Find Design Engineer jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

What are the best companies a Design Engineer can work for?

Design engineers can find great opportunities at top-paying companies. Clark Communications offers the highest average salary at $227,632. Other leading companies include Apple, Micron Technology, and Astera Labs, all with salaries above $180,000. These firms provide rewarding careers with competitive compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Design Engineer jobs, highlighting Clark Communications with the highest at $227,632 and Cadence with the lowest at $176,738.
  1. Clark Communications
    Average Salary: $227,632
    Clark Communications provides innovative communication solutions across the United States. Design Engineers at Clark Communications create reliable and efficient communication systems. They work in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $210,074
    Apple is a global leader in technology. Design Engineers at Apple focus on designing user-friendly electronics. They work in major locations such as Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas, contributing to Apple's renowned products.


  3. Micron Technology
    Average Salary: $205,992
    Micron Technology specializes in memory and storage solutions. Design Engineers at Micron work on developing advanced semiconductor products. They are based in Boise, Idaho, and other key locations worldwide.


  4. Astera Labs
    Average Salary: $194,700
    Astera Labs offers innovative semiconductor solutions. Design Engineers at Astera Labs create cutting-edge semiconductor products. They operate in locations like San Jose, California, and Shenzhen, China.


  5. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $194,683
    Microsoft develops software and technology solutions. Design Engineers at Microsoft work on creating software and hardware products. They are located in Redmond, Washington, and many other global cities.


  6. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $189,189
    NVIDIA specializes in visual computing technology. Design Engineers at NVIDIA focus on graphics and AI technologies. They work in locations like Santa Clara, California, and Taipei, Taiwan.


  7. KLA Tencor International Corp
    Average Salary: $187,817
    KLA Tencor provides solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. Design Engineers at KLA Tencor develop manufacturing equipment. They work in Milpitas, California, and other strategic locations.


  8. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $187,487
    Intel Corporation designs and manufactures semiconductor chips. Design Engineers at Intel work on creating innovative chip technologies. They are based in Santa Clara, California, and other locations worldwide.


  9. Google
    Average Salary: $180,486
    Google offers a range of internet services and products. Design Engineers at Google develop new technology solutions. They work in Mountain View, California, and other global locations.


  10. Cadence
    Average Salary: $176,738
    Cadence designs software and hardware for electronics. Design Engineers at Cadence develop tools for electronics design. They are based in San Jose, California, and other global offices.

How to earn more as a Design Engineer?

A Design Engineer can increase their earning potential through several strategic steps. Focus on skills and experience to stand out in the job market. Networking and continuing education help open up higher-paying opportunities. Building a strong portfolio showcases expertise and attracts better-paying jobs. Being adaptable to new technologies and methods can also lead to more lucrative roles.

Consider these key factors for earning more as a Design Engineer:

  1. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Expertise in areas like automotive, aerospace, or renewable energy often commands higher salaries.
  2. Gain Advanced Certifications: Earning certifications in CAD software or specific engineering practices can increase earning potential.
  3. Seek Leadership Roles: Taking on managerial or supervisory positions usually comes with a higher pay grade.
  4. Work with Cutting-Edge Technology: Proficiency with the latest tools and technologies can attract higher salaries.
  5. Enhance Soft Skills: Improving communication and project management skills can make an engineer more valuable.

Currently 1,325 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
Overview
Design Engineer
1,325 Job Openings