As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAE Design Engineer V in the United States is $149,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a CAE Design Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAE Design Engineer V'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 V'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 III | 4-7 years | $113,677 |
| CAE Design Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,200 |
| CAE Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $149,542 |
| CAE Design Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $199,556 |
| CAE Services Supervisor I | 12+ years | $93,200 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
CAE Design Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $167,469. While startup companies pay approximate $141,674.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $141,674 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $149,838 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $161,721 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $167,469 |
For CAE Design Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CAE Design Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAE Design Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $179,520 | $86.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $176,528 | $85.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $172,040 | $83.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $167,552 | $81.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $164,560 | $79.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a CAE Design Engineer V'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 a CAE Design Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAE Design Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $199,600 - a projected growth of 33% over your current level.
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for CAE Design Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The highest salary for a Design Engineer is ₹1,87,200 per year. In comparison, the average starting salary for a Design Engineer in India is around ₹1.8 Lakhs per year, requiring at least one year of experience. This highlights the significant earning potential for experienced professionals in the field.
To become a chip Design Engineer, start by completing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. After that, take the first licensure test and consider pursuing a master's degree for advanced knowledge. Gain experience through entry-level positions, and think about obtaining additional licensure and certifications. Salaries for this role range from $149,800 to $187,200, with a mid-salary of $171,900.
While many engineering roles can offer competitive salaries, the average salary for a CAE Design Engineer ranges from $149,800 to $187,200. Positions like Software Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Lead Engineer may approach or exceed $200k, especially with experience and specialized skills. Consider enhancing your qualifications to target these higher-paying roles.
Design engineers are essential to the engineering sector and are currently in high demand, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. With salaries ranging from $149,800 to $187,200, they can expect significant earning potential as they advance in their careers.
As of now, the salary for a CAE Design Engineer in the US ranges from a minimum of $149,800 to a maximum of $187,200, with a mid-level salary of $171,900. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, highlighting the value of expertise and experience in engineering roles.
A career in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) is promising, especially in India, where it plays a crucial role in sectors like mechanical, civil, production, and automobile engineering. With salaries ranging from ₹149,800 to ₹187,200, CAE professionals can expect competitive compensation. This field offers growth opportunities and is vital for innovation in engineering.
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