As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Design Engineer I in the United States is $81,910 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Electrical Design Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical Design Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Electrical Design Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,907 |
| EE II | 2-4 years | $99,283 |
| EE III | 4-7 years | $120,759 |
| EE IV | 7+ years | $143,787 |
| EE V | 7-10 years | $166,821 |
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 Electrical Design Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.91% |
| Design Engineering | 3.02% |
| Programming | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$99,111 |
21%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$86,006 |
5%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$85,186 |
4%
|
|
Product Development
|
$84,367 |
3%
|
|
System Design
|
$84,367 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$83,548 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electrical Design Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Electrical Design Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,081 and $80,916).
Electrical Design Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 3.2% |
| Bachelors | 64.6% |
| Masters | 26.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how an Electrical Design Engineer 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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical Design Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer II | $99,600 | 22% |
| EE II | $99,300 | 21% |
| Electronics Design Engineer II | $99,600 | 22% |
| RF Engineer II | $99,590 | 22% |
Salaries for an Electrical Design Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,966 in 2023 to around $89,144 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Electrical Design Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $91,966 |
| 2024 | $90,794 |
| 2025 | $89,144 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An electrical designer is a specialized role within the field of electrical engineering, concentrating on the creation of detailed drawings, schematics, and specifications for electrical systems in energy projects. The salary for this position typically ranges from $76,220 to $86,770, with a mid-point around $81,370.
Most jobs that pay over $200k a year typically include high-level positions in fields like medicine and law, which require extensive education and training. In contrast, the salary range for an Electrical Design Engineer is between $76,220 and $86,770, highlighting the significant difference in earnings across various professions.
Electrical Design Engineers in the US typically earn between $76,220 and $86,770 annually. The average salary is around $81,370, translating to approximately $6,781 per month. While top earners can make significantly more, this range reflects the standard compensation for this role.
While aerospace engineers can earn high salaries, the typical salary range for an Electrical Design Engineer is between $76,220 and $86,770, with a mid-salary of $81,370. Achieving a salary of $200,000 would be uncommon and likely requires significant experience, specialized skills, or a high-level position in the industry.
When considering engineering careers, Electrical Design Engineers offer competitive salaries, with a minimum of $76,220, a mid-range of $81,370, and a maximum of $86,770. This positions them well among high-paying engineering roles, making electrical engineering a strong choice for those seeking lucrative opportunities.
A career as an electrical design engineer can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $76,220 to $86,770. While this income is above average and can lead to six-figure earnings with experience, it is generally considered upper-middle-class rather than luxurious. Overall, it offers a solid financial foundation and opportunities for growth in the field.
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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