As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Transportation Design Engineer in the United States is $123,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Transportation Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Transportation Design Engineer'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'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer, Entry - Transportation | 0-2 years | $68,496 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | 2-4 years | $87,253 |
| Engineer, Senior - Transportation | 4-7 years | $105,826 |
| Transportation Design Engineer | 7+ years | $122,993 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.22% |
| AutoCAD | 1.94% |
| Programming | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Software Development
|
$142,680 |
16%
|
|
Laundry
|
$136,530 |
11%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$136,530 |
11%
|
|
JavaScript
|
$135,300 |
10%
|
|
Networking
|
$132,840 |
8%
|
|
SQL
|
$132,840 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Transportation Design Engineers 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 with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $113,549 and $119,865).
Transportation Design Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 51.3% |
| Associates | 2.6% |
| Bachelors | 51.3% |
| Masters | 38.5% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
Understanding how a Transportation Design Engineer'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 January 01, 2026For a Transportation Design Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Civil Infrastructure Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $148,090 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Transportation Design Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $128,793 in 2023 to around $128,292 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Transportation Design Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $128,793 |
| 2024 | $128,843 |
| 2025 | $128,292 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The salary for a Transportation Design Engineer in the US ranges from $108,670 to $126,980, with a mid-salary of $120,680. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, offering a solid compensation structure for professionals in this area.
Is Transportation Engineering a Good Career? The growing need for public transportation creates a strong job outlook for transportation engineers. With salaries ranging from $108,670 to $126,980, and a median salary of $120,680, this field offers competitive compensation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% growth rate for engineers in this area, higher than many other professions.
The highest paid transportation job is often considered to be the Flatbed Owner Operator, with salaries ranging from $234,500 to $350,000 per year. In comparison, a Transportation Design Engineer earns between $108,670 and $126,980 annually, with a mid-salary of $120,680. While both roles are lucrative, the owner operator positions typically offer higher compensation.
Based on current trends, Transportation Design Engineering is increasingly in demand in the USA, with salaries ranging from $108,670 to $126,980. This growth is driven by the need for innovative transportation solutions and sustainable design practices, making it a vital field in the engineering sector.
While many engineering jobs can offer high salaries, positions like Transportation Design Engineer typically range from a minimum of $108,670 to a mid-salary of $120,680, with a maximum of $126,980. For roles paying $200k, consider specialized fields or leadership positions in engineering, as they often exceed standard salary ranges.
The highest-paid job in the USA can vary, but a Transportation Design Engineer has a salary range that reflects significant earning potential. The minimum salary is approximately $108,670, the mid-range salary is around $120,680, and the maximum salary can reach up to $126,980. This indicates a lucrative career path in the transportation design field.
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