As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an ASIC Design Engineer Lead in the United States is $191,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.
However, an ASIC Design Engineer Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An ASIC Design Engineer Lead'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 an ASIC Design Engineer Lead'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 |
|---|---|---|
| ASIC Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $127,448 |
| ASIC Design Engineer IV | 7+ years | $161,199 |
| ASIC Design Engineer Lead | 7-10 years | $190,991 |
| ASIC Design Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $176,333 |
| ASIC Design Engineering Director | 10+ years | $248,790 |
What Am I Worth?
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 ASIC Design Engineer Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.33% |
| Perl | 3.7% |
| Performance Analysis | 2.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$259,760 |
36%
|
|
Networking
|
$223,470 |
17%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$212,010 |
11%
|
|
Scripting Language
|
$208,190 |
9%
|
|
Integrity
|
$206,280 |
8%
|
|
Computer Engineering
|
$206,280 |
8%
|
ASIC Design Engineer Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $215,524. While startup companies pay approximate $182,401.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $182,401 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $192,891 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $208,152 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $215,524 |
For ASIC Design Engineer Lead 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, ASIC Design Engineer Lead positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view ASIC Design Engineer Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $219,650 | $106.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an ASIC Design Engineer Lead'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an ASIC Design Engineer Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the ASIC Design Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $176,400 - a projected growth of -8% over your current level.
Salaries for an ASIC Design Engineer Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $175,618 in 2023 to around $164,643 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of ASIC Design Engineer Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $175,618 |
| 2024 | $169,675 |
| 2025 | $164,643 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for ASIC Design Engineer Lead roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
The estimated take-home salary of an ASIC Design Engineer at Qualcomm ranges between ?1,59,833 per month to ?1,76,000 per month in India, based on an annual salary of ?1,91,800 to ?2,12,400.
The highest-paying job at Cisco is an ASIC Design Engineer Lead, with a salary range of approximately $191,800 to $212,400 per year. The average salary for this position is around $203,500, reflecting the competitive compensation for top talent in the field.
The salary for an ASIC Design Engineer Lead at Apple ranges from $191,800 to $212,400, with a mid-point salary of $203,500. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role within the company.
An ASIC Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing integrated circuits tailored for specific applications. The salary for this role typically ranges from $191,800 to $212,400, with a mid-level salary around $203,500, reflecting the expertise and experience required in this specialized field.
Lead ASIC Design Engineers typically earn between $191,800 and $212,400 annually, with a mid-salary of $203,500. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, education, and experience. This role often commands higher salaries in tech-centric regions, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the field.
The salary for a Cisco ASIC Design Engineer Lead ranges from $191,800 to $212,400, with a mid-point salary of $203,500. This reflects a competitive compensation structure, aligning with industry standards for experienced professionals in this role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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