▲8%
$93,671
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$62k
MEDIAN
$94k
90%
$187k
The average salary for a Design Engineer is $93,671 in 2026
Base Salary
$62k - $187k
Bonus
$5k - $23k
Total Pay
$74k - $216k
Is Average Design Engineer with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Skills Salary in San Jose, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Design Engineers?
▲72%
What Do Design Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Design Engineer
Medical
100%
Dental
75%
Vision
75%
Gender Breakdown for Design Engineers
Male
75.0%
Female
25.0%
This data is based on 4 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Design Engineers
What is the highest pay for Design Engineers in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Design Engineer in San Jose is $187k / year
What is the lowest pay for Design Engineers in San Jose?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Design Engineer in San Jose is $62k / year
How can Design Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Design Engineer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Design Engineer that oversees more junior Design Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.