As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Transportation Design Engineer III in the United States is $105,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Transportation Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Transportation Design Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $114,250 | $9,521 | $2,197 | $55 |
| Average | $105,830 | $8,819 | $2,035 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,430 | $8,119 | $1,874 | $47 |
A Transportation Design Engineer III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.22% |
| AutoCAD | 1.94% |
| Programming | 1.28% |
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 a Transportation Design Engineer III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Java | $128,054 | |
| API | $120,646 | |
| Team Development | $116,413 |
Transportation 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 $118,269. While startup companies pay approximate $100,044.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,044 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $105,806 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,204 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $118,269 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Transportation Design Engineer 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 Transportation Design Engineer III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $97,841 and $107,364).
| Typical Education for Transportation Design Engineer III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 1.3% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 37.5% |
| Masters | 57.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.5% |
Understanding how a Transportation 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 | $114,250 | $9,521 | $2,197 | $55 |
| Average | $105,830 | $8,819 | $2,035 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,430 | $8,119 | $1,874 | $47 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Transportation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | $123,960 | 17% |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | $124,000 | 17% |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | $123,100 | 16% |
Salaries for a Transportation Design Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,624 in 2023 to around $108,904 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Transportation Design Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $109,624 |
| 2024 | $109,439 |
| 2025 | $108,904 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Transportation Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Design engineering is an emerging field with a promising future, especially for those who blend design and engineering skills. With salaries ranging from $90,200 to $123,360, it's a lucrative career choice. As industries evolve, the demand for design engineers is expected to grow, making it an excellent time to pursue this path and establish a strong presence in your organization.
Engineer III is typically a mid-level position, often requiring three to six years of experience. In the context of a Transportation Design Engineer, the salary range is between $90,200 and $123,360, with a midpoint of $107,320. This role involves working independently and providing support to junior engineers on various tasks and troubleshooting issues.
Transportation Design Engineers have competitive salaries, with a minimum of $90,200, a mid-range salary of $107,320, and a maximum of $123,360. While various engineering fields offer high salaries, Transportation Design Engineers are among the top earners, reflecting the demand for expertise in designing efficient transportation systems.
The estimated total pay for a Designer III is approximately $107,320 per year, with a salary range from $90,200 to $123,360. These figures reflect the midpoint and range based on salary data for Transportation Design Engineers, providing a clearer picture of potential earnings in this role.
Engineer III is typically considered a mid-level position. They can work independently and often assist junior engineers with tasks and troubleshooting. This role usually requires three to six years of experience. In terms of salary, a Transportation Design Engineer at this level can expect to earn between $90,200 and $123,360, with a median salary around $107,320.
The highest salary for a Transportation Design Engineer is $123,360. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $90,200, with a mid-level salary of $107,320. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the expertise required for such roles.
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