As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a PCB Designer III in the United States is $103,040 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a PCB Designer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A PCB 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a PCB 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Designer, Entry - Printed Circuit Board | 0-2 years | $73,935 |
| Designer, Experienced - Printed Circuit Board | 2-4 years | $87,923 |
| PCB Designer III | 4-7 years | $103,031 |
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 PCB Designer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 8.94% |
| Illustrator | 2.83% |
| Schematic | 1.54% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Adobe
|
$115,405 |
12%
|
|
Commitment
|
$108,192 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$108,192 |
5%
|
|
Integrity
|
$107,162 |
4%
|
|
Project Design
|
$107,162 |
4%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$107,162 |
4%
|
PCB Designer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,043. While startup companies pay approximate $98,161.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,161 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,809 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,066 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,043 |
For PCB Designer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, PCB Designer positions in Telecom or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view PCB Designer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $128,800 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $123,648 | $59.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $113,344 | $54.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many PCB Designer IIIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a PCB Designer III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $87,496 and $93,230).
PCB Designer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 23.1% |
| High School | 23.1% |
| Associates | 42.3% |
| Bachelors | 30.8% |
| Masters | 3.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a PCB 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a PCB Designer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,432 in 2023 to around $97,880 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of PCB Designer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $99,432 |
| 2024 | $98,952 |
| 2025 | $97,880 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for PCB Designer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
High-end PCB Designers can expect to earn between $83,780 and $111,470 annually, with a median salary of $92,690. This translates to approximately $40.24 to $53.51 per hour, or $6,982 to $9,289 monthly. The salary reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in this field.
A PCB Designer in the USA earns an annual salary ranging from $83,780 to $111,470, with a median salary of $92,690. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, where experience and expertise can significantly influence earnings.
Yes, a PCB designer is often considered an engineer, especially as the role has evolved to require a deeper understanding of electrical and computer engineering principles. With salaries ranging from $83,780 to $111,470, obtaining a degree in electrical or computer engineering is highly recommended to meet the demands of the profession.
The highest-paid designer role is often a game designer, with an average salary of around $118,445 per year. However, for PCB designers specifically, salaries range from a minimum of $83,780 to a mid-level of $92,690, reaching up to a maximum of $111,470 annually. Other high-paying design roles include UI, UX, and product designers.
A Designer III, specifically a PCB Designer, is a high-level specialist responsible for creating and producing complex printed circuit board designs. They work on advanced projects, ensuring precision and innovation in their designs. The salary for this role typically ranges from $83,780 to $111,470, with a mid-point of $92,690, reflecting the expertise and responsibility involved.
The highest paid designer role is typically the PCB Designer, with a salary range from $83,780 to $111,470. The average salary for this position is around $92,690. PCB Designers are crucial in creating and developing printed circuit boards, requiring strong technical skills and attention to detail.
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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