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Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III in the United States is $113,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $135,288
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,400 to $125,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,022
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 III Salaries

A Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III'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 III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $125,900.
  • California: $125,400.
  • Massachusetts: $123,800.

Top Paying Cities for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer IIIs

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: $143,400
  • San Francisco: $141,900
  • Oakland: $138,900

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.05% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Civil Engineering (Mentioned in 3.19% Job Postings): Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways. Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering takes place in the public sector from municipal through to national governments, and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.
  • Packaging Design (Mentioned in 0.86% Job Postings): Creating graphics and physical containers of a product to protect it from damage and tampering.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.05%
Civil Engineering 3.19%
Packaging Design 0.86%
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 III's salary.

  • Self Motivation: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Partnering: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Aviation: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Self Motivation $121,659
7%
Partnering $117,111
3%
Aviation $117,111
3%
Get Latest Data

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $127,064. While startup companies pay approximate $107,484.

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $107,484
Growth Stage 51~500 $113,675
Established 501~5000 $122,697
Enterprise 5000+ $127,064

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

For Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 170% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 80% above the average. In contrast, Computer-Aided Engineering Designer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$204,660$98.080%
Pharmaceuticals$193,290$93.070%
Financial Services$181,920$87.060%
Biotechnology$170,550$82.050%
Healthcare$159,180$77.040%

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

Understanding how a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III'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
$103,400
Average $113,700/year
$125,000
$8,617
Average $9,475/month
$10,417
$1,988
Average $2,187/week
$2,404
$50
Average $55/hour
$60
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,000 $10,417 $2,404 $60
Average $113,700 $9,475 $2,187 $55
25th Percentile $103,400 $8,617 $1,988 $50

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III

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Advancement

For a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAE Design Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $131,300 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III

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

Common company salaries for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III

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

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FAQ about Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer-Aided Engineering Designer III roles, with salaries approximately 80% above the market median.

2. Is CAD engineer a good career?

A career as a CAD engineer is highly rewarding, with salaries ranging from $95,500 to $125,100, depending on experience and expertise. CAD engineers are essential in product development, contributing to design, analysis, and manufacturing across diverse industries like automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering. This versatility makes it a lucrative career choice.

3. How much does a cad engineer make in the US?

How much does a CAD Engineer make? Based on recent data, the salary for a Computer-Aided Engineering Designer in the U.S. ranges from $95,500 to $125,100 annually, with a median salary of $108,500. This translates to approximately $45.91 to $60.12 per hour, or $1,896 to $2,604 per week.

4. Is software engineer III entry level?

A Software Engineer III is not considered entry-level. This role typically requires three to six years of experience and involves working independently while assisting junior engineers. In terms of compensation, salaries for this position range from $95,500 to $125,100, with a midpoint of $108,500, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities expected at this level.

5. How much do CAD engineers get paid?

CAD engineers in the United Kingdom can expect salaries ranging from £95,500 to £125,100, with a mid-salary of £108,500. This data reflects the competitive compensation for Computer-Aided Engineering Designers, highlighting the value of their expertise in the industry.

6. Is CAD a stressful job?

The demands of CAD design can lead to significant stress and the risk of burnout. With salaries ranging from $95,500 to $125,100, effective work-life balance is crucial for managing stress levels. This balance helps designers stay motivated and energized to tackle complex projects without compromising their mental health.

7. What is the salary of senior CAD engineer?

The estimated total pay for a Senior CAD Engineer ranges from $95,500 to $125,100 per year, with a median salary of $108,500. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the expertise required for the role.

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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