As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Transportation Design Engineer I in the United States is $68,480 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Transportation Design Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Transportation 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 a Transportation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $68,473 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | 2-4 years | $87,225 |
| Engineer, Senior - Transportation | 4-7 years | $105,823 |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | 7+ years | $123,012 |
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 Transportation Design Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.1% |
| AutoCAD | 2.35% |
| Sustainability | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Agile
|
$80,806 |
18%
|
|
RFI
|
$79,437 |
16%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$79,437 |
16%
|
|
Leadership
|
$73,958 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$73,958 |
8%
|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$72,589 |
6%
|
Transportation Design Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,594. While startup companies pay approximate $64,776.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,776 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,511 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $73,966 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,594 |
For Transportation Design Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Transportation Design Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Transportation Design Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $89,024 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,600 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $82,176 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $78,752 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Telecom | $78,752 | $38.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Transportation Design Engineer Is 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 Transportation Design Engineer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $60,438 and $63,639).
Transportation Design Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.0% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 0.7% |
| Bachelors | 33.8% |
| Masters | 59.6% |
| Doctorate | 4.0% |
Understanding how a Transportation 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Transportation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | $90,290 | 32% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | $87,300 | 27% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | $87,300 | 27% |
Salaries for a Transportation Design Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,708 in 2023 to around $73,331 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Transportation Design Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,708 |
| 2024 | $73,779 |
| 2025 | $73,331 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Transportation Design Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
While some engineering roles can exceed $100,000 annually, the salary for a Transportation Design Engineer ranges from $59,580 to $70,830, with a mid-salary of $65,160. This is below the $100,000 mark, indicating that not all engineering positions reach that level.
The expected salary for a Transportation Design Engineer ranges from $59,580 to $70,830 annually, with a mid-salary of $65,160. This indicates a competitive compensation package for professionals in this field, reflecting their skills and expertise.
Yes, but not all Transportation Design Engineers will reach that level of compensation. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary is $59,580, the mid-salary is $65,160, and the maximum salary is $70,830. To achieve higher earnings, one might need to pursue advanced roles, specialize in niche areas, or work for high-growth companies offering significant equity.
Transportation Design Engineers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $59,580, a mid-range salary of $65,160, and a maximum of $70,830. While various design roles exist, Transportation Design Engineering offers a solid earning potential, making it a lucrative option within the design field.
A good salary for a Transportation Design Engineer in the USA ranges from $59,580 to $70,830, with a median salary of approximately $65,160. This is competitive compared to the overall engineering field, where the median annual wage is $91,420, reflecting the high demand and specialized skills in engineering roles.
The highest salary for a Transportation Design Engineer is approximately $70,830 per year. The average starting salary is around $59,580, with a mid-range salary of $65,160. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required for this role.
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