As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Design Engineer III in the United States is $120,760 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Electrical Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical Design Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Electrical Design Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| EE I | 0-2 years | $81,907 |
| EE II | 2-4 years | $99,283 |
| Electrical Design Engineer 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.98% |
| Installation | 2.94% |
| CAD | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$125,590 |
4%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$124,383 |
3%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$124,383 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$124,383 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$123,175 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$123,175 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electrical Design Engineer IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $111,582 and $116,817).
Electrical Design Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 1.2% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 41.0% |
| Doctorate | 14.2% |
Understanding how an Electrical Design Engineer 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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical Design Engineer III, 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 IV | $147,100 | 22% |
| EE IV | $143,800 | 19% |
| Electronics Design Engineer IV | $143,800 | 19% |
| RF Engineer IV | $143,800 | 19% |
Salaries for an Electrical Design Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $132,695 in 2023 to around $126,209 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Electrical Design Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $132,695 |
| 2024 | $132,076 |
| 2025 | $126,209 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Electrical Engineer III is an experienced professional responsible for leading complex maintenance engineering functions on assigned projects, as well as overseeing equipment repair and troubleshooting activities. The salary for this role typically ranges from $107,380 to $126,870, with a mid-level salary of approximately $116,790.
The highest salary for an Electrical Design Engineer is approximately $126,870. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $107,380, with a mid-level salary around $116,790. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals.
The highest salary for an Electrical Design Engineer is $126,870. The top 10% of employees in this field earn more than $116,790, while the top 1% can earn significantly more. This data reflects the competitive nature of the industry and the value placed on skilled engineers.
The EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering consists of various units of competence based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). This qualification equips engineers with essential skills and knowledge. Electrical Design Engineers typically earn between $107,380 and $126,870, with a median salary of $116,790, reflecting the value of this qualification in the industry.
The highest level of electrical engineer is a doctoral degree in electrical engineering, which typically takes 5-6 years to complete. Graduates often pursue careers in research and development or academia. In terms of salary, Electrical Design Engineers can expect to earn between $107,380 and $126,870, with a median salary of $116,790.
An electrical design engineer develops electrical systems like alarms and lighting, applying principles of physics and material sciences. They create solutions for new systems and maintain or install existing ones. The salary for this role ranges from $107,380 to $126,870, with a mid-point of $116,790, reflecting the expertise and responsibility involved in the position.
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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