As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAE Design Technician I in South Carolina is $58,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a CAE Design Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAE Design Technician 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CAE Design Technician 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CAE Design Technician I | 1-3 years | $58,120 |
| CAE Design Technician II | 3-5 years | $68,172 |
| CAE Design Technician III | 5-7 years | $77,307 |
| CAE Design Supervisor I | 7+ years | $87,327 |
| CAE Design Supervisor II | 7+ years | $111,766 |
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 CAE Design Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
CAE Design Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,007. While startup companies pay approximate $54,977.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,977 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,146 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,777 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,007 |
For CAE Design Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, CAE Design Technician positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAE Design Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $81,368 | $39.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $78,462 | $38.0 | 35% |
| Business Services | $75,556 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Chemicals | $72,650 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $69,744 | $34.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a CAE Design Technician 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, 2026For a CAE Design Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAE Design Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $68,172 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CAE Design Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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