Position
Salary

How much does a Development Engineer make?

The average salary for a Development Engineer is $117,815 per year in the US.

A Development Engineer creates and tests products. They often work on new designs and improvements. The job pays well. The average yearly salary is around $117,815. This is a good income for many people.

The salary for this job can change based on experience and location. Some Development Engineers earn less, around $45,000 a year. Others earn much more, up to $224,500 a year. Most earn between $77,636 and $142,909 a year. This range shows how much skill and experience can affect pay.

View Development Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Development Engineer?

Development engineers can find some of the best-paying opportunities in tech-heavy cities. San Jose, CA, leads with an average salary of over $167,000. Close behind are San Diego and Rochester, both offering salaries above $158,000. Other top-tier cities include Seattle, Washington, DC, and Denver, each providing salaries over $148,000. Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Fort Collins also present excellent pay for development engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Development Engineer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $167,912 and Fort Collins, CO with the lowest at $139,008.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $167,912
    In San Jose, Silicon Valley's tech hub, engineers play a key role in developing cutting-edge tech solutions. Companies like Apple and Google provide excellent opportunities to work on impactful projects.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $159,433
    San Diego offers a dynamic environment for tech innovation. Engineers here work with leaders like Qualcomm and Raytheon Technologies, focusing on diverse tech advancements.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $158,106
    Rochester combines a thriving tech scene with a vibrant community. Engineers can find opportunities in healthcare technology with companies like Eastman Kodak and Bausch + Lomb.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $155,771
    Seattle's tech landscape is vibrant and growing. Engineers here contribute to the success of giants like Amazon and Microsoft, working on innovative solutions every day.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $150,462
    In the nation's capital, engineers collaborate with federal agencies and tech firms. They play a key role in developing tech that impacts national security and public services.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $148,541
    Denver offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tech innovation. Engineers here work with companies like IBM and Lockheed Martin, driving progress in various sectors.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Denver, CO


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $147,967
    Los Angeles provides a diverse range of opportunities in tech. Engineers here work with companies like Amazon and Google, contributing to entertainment and media tech.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $143,412
    Phoenix is a growing tech hub, offering diverse opportunities. Engineers here work on innovative projects with companies like Intel and Honeywell.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  9. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $141,411
    San Francisco's tech ecosystem is unmatched. Engineers here work with tech giants like Facebook and Salesforce, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $139,008
    Fort Collins offers a blend of academic and corporate opportunities. Engineers here work on innovative solutions with companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace.
    Find Development Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO

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

Apple offers one of the highest-paying jobs for development engineers, averaging $228,053 annually. Other top companies include CVS Health, with an average salary of $199,580, and Intuitive Surgical, which pays around $171,691 per year. These companies provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for skilled development engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Development Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $228,053 and Caterpillar with the lowest at $124,498.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $228,053
    Apple Inc. is known for its innovative technology and offers exciting opportunities for Development Engineers. Based in Cupertino, California, Apple leads in tech innovation. They seek engineers who can develop cutting-edge software and hardware.


  2. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $199,580
    CVS Health, a healthcare giant, provides many roles for Development Engineers. With headquarters in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, CVS Health values tech-savvy engineers. They focus on creating solutions that improve healthcare delivery.


  3. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $171,691
    Intuitive Surgical, a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, seeks skilled Development Engineers. The company operates in Sunnyvale, California. Engineers here work on developing medical technology that enhances surgical procedures.


  4. Relativity Space
    Average Salary: $169,891
    Relativity Space, a company innovating in space technology, offers high salaries for Development Engineers. Located in Long Beach, California, they focus on developing affordable access to space. Engineers here play a crucial role in advancing space exploration.


  5. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $167,374
    Intel Corporation, a major player in computer hardware, provides lucrative positions for Development Engineers. Based in Santa Clara, California, Intel engineers work on creating the next generation of computer processors and technology.


  6. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $162,352
    Amazon Web Services, a leader in cloud computing, offers many opportunities for Development Engineers. Located in Seattle, Washington, AWS engineers develop services that power businesses worldwide. They focus on creating scalable and reliable cloud solutions.


  7. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $152,395
    Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, provides exciting roles for Development Engineers. With headquarters in Seattle, Washington, Amazon engineers work on projects that improve customer experience and operational efficiency.


  8. Woodward, Inc.
    Average Salary: $138,222
    Woodward, Inc., a company in automation and control systems, offers good salaries for Development Engineers. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Woodward engineers work on systems that improve efficiency in various industries.


  9. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $124,885
    Northrop Grumman, a defense technology firm, provides roles for Development Engineers. Located in Falls Church, Virginia, Northrop Grumman engineers work on critical projects that enhance national security.


  10. Caterpillar
    Average Salary: $124,498
    Caterpillar, a global leader in heavy machinery, offers opportunities for Development Engineers. With headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois, Caterpillar engineers develop machinery that improves construction and mining operations.

How to earn more as a Development Engineer?

Development Engineers can earn more by focusing on a few key factors. Gaining specialized skills in high-demand areas such as software development or automation can open doors to higher-paying positions. Keeping up with the latest technologies and trends ensures a competitive edge in the job market. Networking with industry professionals and attending relevant conferences can lead to new opportunities and higher salary negotiations.

Another factor is advancing through continuous education and certifications. Many employers value additional qualifications, which can lead to promotions and higher pay. Seeking out roles in high-cost areas or industries known for higher compensation can also boost earnings. Additionally, negotiating salary effectively and understanding the value of benefits beyond just the base salary can make a significant difference in overall compensation.

Consider these key strategies to increase earning potential:

  • Gain specialized skills in high-demand areas.
  • Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends.
  • Network with industry professionals and attend conferences.
  • Pursue continuous education and relevant certifications.
  • Negotiate salary and understand the full value of benefits.

Currently 281 Development Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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

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