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Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I in the United States is $73,350 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86,551
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,590 to $80,260
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,435
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salaries

A Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I'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 Computer-Aided Engineering Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I'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:

  • Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I (0-2 years): $73,345
  • Computer-Aided Engineering Designer II (2-4 years): $82,442
  • Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III (4-7 years): $113,683
  • CAE Design Engineer IV (7+ years): $131,203
  • CAE Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $149,546
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I0-2 years$73,345
Computer-Aided Engineering Designer II2-4 years$82,442
Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III4-7 years$113,683
CAE Design Engineer IV7+ years$131,203
CAE Design Engineer V7-10 years$149,546
View as Graph

How Do Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I 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 Computer-Aided Engineering Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $81,210.
  • California: $80,900.
  • Massachusetts: $79,830.

Top Paying Cities for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer Is

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:

  • San Jose: $92,520
  • San Francisco: $91,500
  • Oakland: $89,570

What Skills Can Increase a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 5.41% Job Postings): Presentation conveys information from a speaker to an audience. Presentations are typically demonstrations, introduction, lecture, or speech meant to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, build goodwill, or present a new idea/product.
  • Packaging (Mentioned in 2.03% Job Postings): Preparing products through wrapping or bottling to protect the goods from damages during transportation and storage.
  • Building Codes (Mentioned in 1.24% Job Postings): A building code (also building control or building regulations) is a set of rules that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. Buildings must conform to the code to obtain planning permission, usually from a local council. The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the appropriate governmental or private authority. Building codes are generally intended to be applied by architects, engineers, interior designers, constructors and regulators but are also used for various purposes by safety inspectors, environmental scientists, real estate developers, subcontractors, manufacturers of building products and materials, insurance companies, facility managers, tenants, and others. Codes regulate the design and construction of structures where adopted into law.
Skills Demand Percentage
Presentation 5.41%
Packaging 2.03%
Building Codes 1.24%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I's salary.

  • Solution Design: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Civil Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • 3D Modeling: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Solution Design $83,619
14%
Civil Engineering $79,218
8%
3D Modeling $78,485
7%
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Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,972. While startup companies pay approximate $69,340.

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,340
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,334
Established 501~5000 $79,154
Enterprise 5000+ $81,972

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 97% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Computer-Aided Engineering Designer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$95,355$46.030%
Financial Services$91,688$44.025%
Software & Networking$89,487$43.022%
Biotechnology$88,020$42.020%
Internet$86,553$42.018%

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I'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 September 01, 2026
$66,590
Average $73,350/year
$80,260
$5,549
Average $6,113/month
$6,688
$1,281
Average $1,411/week
$1,543
$32
Average $35/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,260 $6,688 $1,543 $39
Average $73,350 $6,113 $1,411 $35
25th Percentile $66,590 $5,549 $1,281 $32

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I

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Advancement

For a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer-Aided Engineering Designer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $82,490 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I

Here are companies hiring for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Do CAD designers need a degree?

A relevant bachelor's degree is essential for a career in CAD design, although some companies may prioritize experience and training. CAD designers can expect salaries ranging from $68,510 to $86,680, with a median salary of $77,490. This reflects the importance of education in securing competitive compensation in the field.

3. Do CAD designers make good money?

CAD Designers earn between $68,510 and $86,680 annually, with a median salary of $77,490. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of this range, while experienced designers can earn significantly more, reflecting their advanced skills and expertise in the field.

4. How much do CAD engineers get paid?

CAD Engineers typically earn between $68,510 and $86,680 annually, with a median salary of $77,490. Salaries can vary based on experience and location, with some positions reported at lower rates, while more experienced roles may command higher compensation.

5. Is CAD a stressful job?

Working in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) can be stressful, especially when facing tight deadlines. The role demands focus and precision, which can lead to exhaustion if self-care is neglected. With salaries ranging from $68,510 to $86,680, the financial rewards can be significant, but it's essential to manage stress to maintain health and productivity.

6. What is CAD Designer salary?

The salary for a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer typically ranges from $68,510 to $86,680 annually. The average salary is approximately $77,490, reflecting the experience and skill level of the designer. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while more experienced professionals can earn towards the higher end of the scale.

7. How long does it take to learn CAD?

Learning CAD can vary based on the individual and the instructor. Typically, beginners can grasp the basics of AutoCAD with about 4 hours a week for 30 days. For each subsequent level, an additional 4 hours weekly for another 30 days is recommended. As a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer, you can expect a salary ranging from $68,510 to $86,680, with a median of $77,490.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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