As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAE Design Engineer IV in the United States is $131,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a CAE Design Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAE Design Engineer IV'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 CAE Design Engineer IV'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Engineering Designer II | 2-4 years | $82,452 |
| Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III | 4-7 years | $113,659 |
| CAE Design Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,191 |
| CAE Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $149,531 |
| CAE Design Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $199,532 |
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 CAE Design Engineer IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a CAE Design Engineer IV'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 May 01, 2026For a CAE Design Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAE Design Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $149,600 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a CAE Design Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,264 in 2023 to around $114,023 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAE Design Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $116,264 |
| 2024 | $115,597 |
| 2025 | $114,023 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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CAE Design Engineers in the US earn between $121,800 and $151,700 annually, with a median salary of approximately $137,700. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of compensation for this role.
The salary for a CAE Design Engineer in Germany ranges from €121,800 to €151,700 per year, with a midpoint average of €137,700. These figures reflect the current market rates and provide a comprehensive overview of potential earnings in this field.
While many engineering roles can offer competitive salaries, the average salary for a CAE Design Engineer ranges from $121,800 to $151,700, with a midpoint of $137,700. Positions that pay around $200k may include specialized roles or senior positions in fields like software engineering, mechanical engineering, or data engineering.
A CAE engineer utilizes computer-aided engineering software to simulate product performance, enhancing designs and solving engineering challenges. Their work involves the simulation, validation, and optimization of products, processes, and manufacturing tools. In terms of compensation, CAE Design Engineers earn between $121,800 and $151,700, with a median salary of $137,700.
A good salary for a CAE Design Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $121,800 to $151,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $137,700. This range reflects the competitive nature of the engineering field, ensuring that skilled professionals are compensated fairly for their expertise and contributions.
Design engineers are essential to the engineering industry and are in high demand, offering significant opportunities for career growth and earning potential. Salaries for CAE Design Engineers range from a minimum of $121,800 to a mid-level of $137,700, with top earners making up to $151,700, reflecting their value in the market.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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