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Design and Development Engineer Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Design and Development Engineer make in Kentucky? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design and Development Engineer in Kentucky is $77,002 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a Design and Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86,691
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,297 to $82,074
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,924
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Design and Development Engineer Job Openings in Kentucky

Key Factors That Influence Design and Development Engineer Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Design and Development Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $75,945
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $86,143
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $107,689
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $131,491
  • Expert (over 8 years): $154,033
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Design and Development Engineer less than 1 year $75,945
Product Design Engineer II 1-2 years $86,143
Product Design Engineer III 2-4 years $107,689
Product Design Engineer IV 5-8 years $131,491
Product Design Engineer V over 8 years $154,033

How Do Design and Development Engineer 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 Design and Development Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $90,602.
  • California: $90,258.
  • Massachusetts: $89,055.

Top Paying Cities for Design and Development Engineer

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:

  • Graham: $74,347
  • Greenville: $74,090
  • Hartford: $74,478

Design and Development Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Design and Development Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $88,552 $43.0 15%
Pharmaceuticals $86,242 $41.0 12%
Biotechnology $84,702 $41.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $83,162 $40.0 8%
Aerospace & Defense $80,852 $39.0 5%

Design and Development Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$73,297
Average $77,002/year
$82,074
$6,108
Average $6,417/month
$6,839
$1,410
Average $1,481/week
$1,578
$35
Average $37/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,074 $6,839 $1,578 $39
Average $77,002 $6,417 $1,481 $37
25th Percentile $73,297 $6,108 $1,410 $35

Find Your Next Design and Development Engineer Job

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.

  • Creform | Georgetown, KY

    Mechanical Design Engineer

    Creform | Georgetown, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Description and Responsibilities. This position is for a Mechanical Design Engineer in the AGC/AGV Department of Cref... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Centrus Energy Corp | Firebrick, KY

    Mechanical Design Engineer

    Centrus Energy Corp | Firebrick, KY

    Job Description Job Description \n Job Summary: \n \n \n Are you a hands-on mechanical engineer with a passion for fluid systems. Centrus Energy is seeking... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Control Touch Systems, LLC | Louisville, KY

    Electrical Hardware Design Engineer III

    Control Touch Systems, LLC | Louisville, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Come grow with us.  ControlTouch Systems, LLC designs. systems. for airports that get baggage to passengers ... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Headway - Design & Development | Louisville, KY

    Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Headway - Design & Development | Louisville, KY

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  • Headway - Design & Development | Florence, KY

    Licensed Psychiatrist

    Headway - Design & Development | Florence, KY

    Licensed Psychiatrist Wage:Between $139-$239 an hour Licensed psychiatrist - Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice. Headway is here to he... more

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  • Headway - Design & Development | Florence, KY

    Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

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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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