How much does a Design Engineer make?
Design Engineers create and improve products and systems. They work in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods. Their work is important and often well-paid. The average yearly salary for a Design Engineer is around $111,501. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
Here are some salary details for Design Engineers:
- The lowest 10% earn less than $55,000.
- The next 20% earn between $55,000 and $71,000.
- The middle 20% earn between $71,000 and $87,000.
- The next 20% earn between $87,000 and $103,000.
- The top 10% earn more than $183,000.
These numbers show that Design Engineers can earn a good living. With more experience and skills, they can earn even more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Design Engineer?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $169,303
In San Diego, Design Engineers work in a vibrant tech scene. Companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics offer exciting projects. The city's mild climate makes for a pleasant work environment.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $167,887
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, provides Design Engineers with many opportunities. Tech giants like Intel and Apple are prominent employers. The city's dynamic atmosphere fuels innovation and growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $150,994
San Francisco offers Design Engineers a chance to work with leading tech companies. Firms like Google and Salesforce offer cutting-edge projects. The city's rich culture enhances the professional experience.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $149,350
Austin is a hub for tech innovation, attracting Design Engineers from all over. Companies like Dell and Apple are major employers. The city's lively atmosphere makes for a rewarding work environment.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $136,044
Salt Lake City offers a growing tech scene for Design Engineers. Companies like Adobe and Qualtrics are prominent employers. The city's natural beauty provides a great backdrop for work and life.
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Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $134,449
Albuquerque provides a unique setting for Design Engineers. Sandia National Laboratories and Intel offer exciting opportunities. The city's blend of tech and culture creates a distinctive work environment.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $130,315
Savannah offers a mix of tech and tradition for Design Engineers. Companies like Gulfstream and Siemens provide diverse projects. The city's historic charm adds to the professional experience.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $130,105
Fort Collins is a growing tech center for Design Engineers. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace offer innovative projects. The city's outdoor lifestyle enhances the work-life balance.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $129,087
Los Angeles offers a diverse array of opportunities for Design Engineers. Firms like Boeing and Raytheon are major employers. The city's entertainment industry provides a unique professional backdrop.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $129,048
Seattle is a tech powerhouse for Design Engineers. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer cutting-edge projects. The city's vibrant culture and natural beauty make for a fulfilling work environment.
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What are the best companies a Design Engineer can work for?

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Arm
Average Salary: $229,727
Arm offers exciting opportunities for Design Engineers in various locations, including the UK, USA, and India. They focus on developing innovative technology for the semiconductor industry. Their Design Engineers work on creating efficient and powerful processors.
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Apple
Average Salary: $205,875
Apple provides Design Engineer roles in cities like Cupertino, USA, and other locations worldwide. Apple's Design Engineers work on creating cutting-edge products. They focus on integrating hardware and software to deliver seamless user experiences.
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Micron Technology, Inc.
Average Salary: $204,896
Micron Technology, Inc. offers Design Engineer positions in Boise, USA, and other global sites. They specialize in memory and storage solutions. Design Engineers at Micron work on developing high-performance memory chips.
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Microsoft
Average Salary: $203,167
Microsoft offers Design Engineer jobs in Redmond, USA, and other locations. They focus on creating software and hardware solutions. Design Engineers at Microsoft work on projects that enhance user experiences across various devices.
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Qualcomm
Average Salary: $186,698
Qualcomm provides Design Engineer roles in San Diego, USA, and other global sites. They specialize in wireless technology. Design Engineers at Qualcomm work on developing innovative communication solutions.
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Ampere Computing
Average Salary: $185,620
Ampere Computing offers Design Engineer positions in Santa Clara, USA. They focus on high-performance computing solutions. Design Engineers at Ampere work on creating efficient and powerful processors for data centers.
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AMD
Average Salary: $183,881
AMD offers Design Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, USA, and other locations. They specialize in semiconductor solutions. Design Engineers at AMD work on developing high-performance processors and graphics cards.
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Intel Corporation
Average Salary: $166,799
Intel Corporation provides Design Engineer roles in Santa Clara, USA, and other global sites. They focus on creating innovative semiconductor solutions. Design Engineers at Intel work on developing processors and other critical components.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $165,103
Amazon Web Services offers Design Engineer positions in Seattle, USA, and other locations. They focus on cloud computing solutions. Design Engineers at AWS work on developing scalable and efficient cloud infrastructure.
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NVIDIA
Average Salary: $163,899
NVIDIA provides Design Engineer roles in Santa Clara, USA, and other global sites. They specialize in graphics and AI solutions. Design Engineers at NVIDIA work on creating powerful GPUs and AI processors.
How to earn more as a Design Engineer?
Design Engineers have many ways to increase their earnings. They can focus on gaining more experience, learning new skills, and improving their work quality. Each of these factors can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. By taking steps to advance in their career, Design Engineers can earn more and achieve greater job satisfaction.
Here are five key factors to consider for earning more as a Design Engineer:
- Gain More Experience: Working longer in the field allows engineers to take on more complex projects. This experience can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Learn New Skills: Staying updated with the latest technologies and software can make an engineer more valuable. Employers often pay more for these specialized skills.
- Improve Work Quality: Delivering high-quality work can lead to promotions and raises. Attention to detail and efficiency can set an engineer apart.
- Seek Advanced Certifications: Earning certifications in specific areas of design engineering can open up higher-paying job opportunities. These certifications show a commitment to professional growth.
- Network and Build Connections: Building a strong professional network can lead to job referrals and opportunities for higher pay. Attending industry events and joining professional groups can be beneficial.



