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Computer Aided Engineering Salary in California

How much does a Computer Aided Engineering make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Engineering in California is $146,699 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.

However, a Computer Aided Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $172,390
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $134,082 to $160,147
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,594
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Computer Aided Engineering Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Computer Aided Engineering Salaries

A Computer Aided Engineering's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Aided Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Aided Engineering's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $101,206
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $129,535
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $143,897
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $192,967
  • Expert (over 8 years): $238,177
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
CAE Design Supervisor I less than 1 year $101,206
CAE Design Supervisor II 1-2 years $129,535
Computer Aided Engineering 2-4 years $143,897
CAE Design Senior Manager 5-8 years $192,967
CAE Design Director over 8 years $238,177

How Do Computer Aided Engineering Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Computer Aided Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $147,258.
  • California: $146,699.
  • Massachusetts: $144,744.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Aided Engineering

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $146,952
  • West Hollywood: $146,845
  • Dodgertown: $146,950

Computer Aided Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Aided Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Computer Aided Engineering positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Aided Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $183,374 $88.0 25%
Financial Services $176,039 $85.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $168,704 $81.0 15%
Healthcare $168,704 $81.0 15%
Biotechnology $161,369 $78.0 10%

Computer Aided Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Aided Engineering's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$134,082
Average $146,699/year
$160,147
$11,173
Average $12,225/month
$13,346
$2,578
Average $2,821/week
$3,080
$64
Average $71/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,147 $13,346 $3,080 $77
Average $146,699 $12,225 $2,821 $71
25th Percentile $134,082 $11,173 $2,578 $64

Find Your Next Computer Aided Engineering Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Computer Aided Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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