Design Engineer
ISAT Total Support – Columbus, OH
How much does a Design and Development Engineer make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design and Development Engineer in the United States is $81,829 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Design and Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Design and Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $87,219 | $7,268 | $1,677 | $42 |
| Average | $81,829 | $6,819 | $1,574 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,886 | $6,491 | $1,498 | $37 |
A Design and Development Engineer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design and Development Engineer'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Development Engineer | less than 1 year | $80,706 |
| Product Design Engineer II | 1-2 years | $91,547 |
| Product Design Engineer III | 2-4 years | $114,439 |
| Product Design Engineer IV | 5-8 years | $139,733 |
| Product Design Engineer V | over 8 years | $163,695 |
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 Design and Development Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Design and Development Engineer professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Design and Development Engineer with a Bachelor's is between $76,251 and $80,097.
| Typical Education for Design and Development Engineer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.3% |
| High School | 5.3% |
| Associate's Degree | 10.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 56.2% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 25.2% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 2.5% |
Understanding how a Design and Development Engineer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $87,219 | $7,268 | $1,677 | $42 |
| Average | $81,829 | $6,819 | $1,574 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,886 | $6,491 | $1,498 | $37 |
Salaries for a Design and Development Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,375 in 2023 to around $83,725 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Design and Development Engineer salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $84,375 |
| 2024 | $84,506 |
| 2025 | $83,725 |
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Design and Development Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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