As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electronics Design Engineer III in the United States is $120,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Electronics Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Electronics Design Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $130,200 | $10,850 | $2,504 | $63 |
| Average | $120,800 | $10,067 | $2,323 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,800 | $9,400 | $2,169 | $54 |
An Electronics 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 Electronics 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $82,085 |
| Electronics Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,499 |
| Electronics Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,758 |
| Electronics Design Engineer IV | 7+ years | $143,785 |
| Electronics Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $169,234 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 14.14% |
| Calibration | 4.47% |
| Electrical Engineering | 2% |
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 an Electronics Design Engineer III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | $126,840 | |
| Flexibility | $125,632 | |
| Electrical Engineering | $125,632 |
Electronics Design Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $134,999. While startup companies pay approximate $114,195.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $114,195 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $120,773 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $130,359 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $134,999 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electronics 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 Electronics Design Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $114,682 and $121,651).
| Typical Education for Electronics Design Engineer III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associates | 3.9% |
| Bachelors | 36.3% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 6.9% |
Understanding how an Electronics 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $130,200 | $10,850 | $2,504 | $63 |
| Average | $120,800 | $10,067 | $2,323 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,800 | $9,400 | $2,169 | $54 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electronics 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 Electronics 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 $125,877 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Electronics Design Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $132,695 |
| 2024 | $129,618 |
| 2025 | $125,877 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Electronics Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
An Electronics Design Engineer typically earns between $108,500 and $133,900, with a mid-salary of $121,300. In contrast, an active-duty Private First Class (E3) makes approximately $28,530 to $32,162.40, highlighting the significant salary difference between military ranks and engineering positions.
Earning $100k a year as an engineer is quite common, especially in fields like electronics design. With a minimum salary of $108,500, it's clear that skilled professionals in this area can easily surpass that threshold. If you're not reaching that level, it may be time to assess your skills or negotiation tactics.
The average annual salary for an Electronics Design Engineer in the US ranges from $108,500 to $133,900, with a mid-salary of $121,300. While this is a competitive salary, it is lower than that of a Nuclear Engineer, which averages $255,394, making Nuclear Engineering the highest paying engineering job of 2024.
Yes, design engineers are in high demand, particularly in the electronics sector. With a salary range from $108,500 to $133,900, the role is attractive as industries continue to expand. This demand is driven by advancements in technology and the need for innovative solutions in various applications.
Yes, Electronics Engineering is in demand in the USA. The overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, with about 22,700 job openings annually. Salaries for Electronics Design Engineers range from a minimum of $108,500 to a maximum of $133,900, with a mid-salary of $121,300, reflecting strong demand in the field.
Among design degrees, Electronics Design Engineering stands out with a competitive salary range. The minimum salary is $108,500, the mid-range salary is $121,300, and the maximum salary can reach $133,900. This positions it as one of the highest-paying fields in the design industry, surpassing many other design disciplines.
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