Design Engineer
Fives – Pinson, AL
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How much does a Design and Development Engineer make in Alabama? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design and Development Engineer in Alabama is $75,177 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
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 | $80,129 | $6,677 | $1,541 | $39 |
| Average | $75,177 | $6,265 | $1,446 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,560 | $5,963 | $1,376 | $34 |
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 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 | $74,146 |
| Product Design Engineer II | 1-2 years | $84,102 |
| Product Design Engineer III | 2-4 years | $105,137 |
| Product Design Engineer IV | 5-8 years | $128,375 |
| Product Design Engineer V | over 8 years | $150,382 |
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:
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:
For Design and Development Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Design and Development Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design and Development Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $86,454 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $84,198 | $40.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $82,695 | $40.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $81,191 | $39.0 | 8% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $78,936 | $38.0 | 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 | $80,129 | $6,677 | $1,541 | $39 |
| Average | $75,177 | $6,265 | $1,446 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,560 | $5,963 | $1,376 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Design and Development Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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