As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Engineer - Project Lead in Olean, MO is $120,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Design Engineer - Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Design Engineer - Project 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design Engineer - Project 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Design Engineer, Intermediate | 2-4 years | $78,726 |
| Design Engineer, Senior | 4-7 years | $98,384 |
| Design Engineer - Project Lead | 7+ years | $120,135 |
| Design Engineer - Project Senior Lead | 7-10 years | $140,768 |
| Product Development Design Manager | 10+ years | $128,831 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.25% |
| Manufacturing Processes | 2.06% |
| Casting | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Design of Experiments
|
$135,826 |
13%
|
|
Process Management
|
$131,018 |
9%
|
|
Interface Design
|
$129,816 |
8%
|
|
Research Design
|
$128,614 |
7%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$128,614 |
7%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$127,412 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Design Engineer - Project 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 February 01, 2026For a Design Engineer - Project Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Design Engineer - Project Senior Lead role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $140,800 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Design Engineer - Project Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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