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Transportation Design Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Transportation Design Engineer III make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $121,916
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $97,430 to $114,250
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $89,782

Key Factors That Influence Transportation Design Engineer III Salaries

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.

How Do Transportation Design Engineer III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $117,170.
  • California: $116,730.
  • Massachusetts: $115,170.

Top Paying Cities for Transportation Design Engineer IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $133,480
  • San Francisco: $132,020
  • Oakland: $129,230

What Skills Can Increase a Transportation Design Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.22% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • AutoCAD (Mentioned in 1.94% Job Postings): AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 1.28% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.22%
AutoCAD 1.94%
Programming 1.28%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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.

  • Java: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • API: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Team Development: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Java $128,054
21%
API $120,646
14%
Team Development $116,413
10%

Transportation Design Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Transportation Design Engineer III Salary by Company Size

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

Transportation Design Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Transportation Design Engineer 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 Insurance and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Transportation Design Engineer positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Transportation Design Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Transportation Design Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$132,288$64.025%
Construction$126,996$61.020%
Energy & Utilities$121,704$59.015%
Aerospace & Defense$116,413$56.010%
Media$116,413$56.010%

How Education impacts a Transportation Design Engineer III's Salary?

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).

Transportation Design Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Transportation Design Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$97,430
Average $105,830/year
$114,250
$8,119
Average $8,819/month
$9,521
$1,874
Average $2,035/week
$2,197
$47
Average $51/hour
$55
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

Transportation Design Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Transportation Design Engineer III Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Transportation Design Engineer III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Transportation Design Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Transportation Design Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Transportation Design Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Transportation Design Engineer III?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Transportation Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Is design engineer a good career?

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.

3. What level is engineer III?

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.

4. Which type of engineer has highest salary?

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.

5. How much do designer III make?

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.

6. What level is engineer III?

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.

7. What is the highest salary of a transportation engineer?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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