How much does a Development Engineer make?
A Development Engineer works to create new products. They often collaborate with design and production teams to bring their ideas to life. The salary for this role can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Development Engineer earns about $121,683 per year. This is a good middle point for the range of salaries.
Some Development Engineers start with lower pay. For example, new engineers may make around $48,000. As they gain experience, their salary can grow. The highest earners in this field can make over $200,000 a year. Often, these top earners have many years of experience and have specialized skills.
What are the highest paying cities for a Development Engineer?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $169,455
Working in Silicon Valley's tech hub, engineers enjoy a dynamic environment with opportunities to collaborate with leading tech companies. Tech giants like Google and Cisco offer exciting projects.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $155,622
San Diego provides a unique blend of beach life and innovation. Engineers here often work for defense contractors and biotech firms, offering a diverse range of projects.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $148,988
The capital city offers opportunities to work with government agencies and tech startups. Engineers can contribute to national projects while being in the heart of political action.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $147,684
Seattle's tech scene thrives with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Engineers enjoy a vibrant community and the chance to innovate in a picturesque setting.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $146,027
Denver offers a growing tech sector with startups and established companies. Engineers here benefit from a high quality of life and outdoor activities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $142,653
In the heart of tech innovation, engineers work in a vibrant, creative environment. Companies like Apple and Salesforce provide exciting opportunities for growth.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $141,042
LA offers a diverse range of industries for engineers. From entertainment technology to aerospace, there are many opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge projects.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $139,429
Known for Colorado State University, Fort Collins has a growing tech scene with startups and established companies. Engineers enjoy a friendly community and a good balance of work and life.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $134,012
Albany provides a mix of government and private sector opportunities. Engineers can work on innovative projects while enjoying a historic and cultural backdrop.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $130,749
Austin's booming tech scene offers a vibrant, fast-paced environment. Companies like Dell and IBM provide many opportunities for engineers to innovate and grow.
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What are the best companies a Development Engineer can work for?

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Google
Average Salary: $265,594
Google offers exciting opportunities for Development Engineers. They work in many locations, like California, New York, and Washington. They focus on developing new software and improving existing products. Google encourages innovation and creativity.
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Apple
Average Salary: $207,746
At Apple, Development Engineers play a key role in designing new features for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The company operates in places like California, Texas, and New York. Apple is known for its focus on quality and user experience.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $192,494
CVS Health is a healthcare company where Development Engineers work on improving patient care systems. They have offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and other states. The company values innovation in healthcare technology.
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Intel Corporation
Average Salary: $168,949
Intel Corporation is a leader in semiconductor technology. Development Engineers here focus on creating cutting-edge processors. The company operates in California, Oregon, and Israel. Intel is known for its focus on technological advancements.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $163,592
Amazon Web Services offers a variety of opportunities for Development Engineers. They work on cloud computing services. The company has offices in Washington, Oregon, and Virginia. AWS focuses on innovation in cloud technology.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $157,546
Amazon offers many roles for Development Engineers. They focus on improving the online shopping experience. The company has offices in Washington, California, and New York. Amazon values innovation and customer satisfaction.
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Woodward, Inc.
Average Salary: $138,649
Woodward, Inc. provides automation and control solutions. Development Engineers here work on creating new control systems. The company operates in Colorado, California, and Texas. Woodward is known for its focus on precision and reliability.
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Johnson Controls
Average Salary: $127,915
Johnson Controls offers roles for Development Engineers in building technologies. They focus on improving energy efficiency. The company operates in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota. Johnson Controls values innovation in building technologies.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $127,438
Northrop Grumman focuses on aerospace and defense technology. Development Engineers here work on creating new systems. The company operates in California, Virginia, and Arizona. Northrop Grumman is known for its focus on defense and aerospace technology.
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Caterpillar
Average Salary: $127,216
Caterpillar offers roles for Development Engineers in heavy equipment. They focus on creating innovative machinery. The company operates in Illinois, Colorado, and Washington. Caterpillar values innovation in heavy equipment technology.
How to earn more as a Development Engineer?
A Development Engineer has many ways to increase their earnings. Building the right skills and experience can lead to higher-paying jobs. Staying updated with the latest technologies can make a big difference. Networking with other professionals can open doors to better opportunities. Seeking promotions and negotiating salaries are also important strategies.
Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can significantly boost a Development Engineer's salary. Working in high-demand industries or regions can also lead to better pay. Taking on leadership roles or specialized projects can provide additional income. Continuous learning and skill development ensure a competitive edge in the job market. Engaging in professional development activities can lead to higher earnings over time.
- Skill Development: Learning new programming languages and tools can open up higher-paying opportunities.
- Certifications: Earning relevant certifications can make a Development Engineer more valuable to employers.
- Networking: Building connections with other professionals can lead to job offers with better pay.
- Experience: Gaining more experience in the field can lead to higher positions and salaries.
- Professional Growth: Taking on leadership roles or specialized projects can lead to higher income.



