As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAE Designer IV in the United States is $131,189 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a CAE Designer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAE Designer IV'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 Designer IV'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 Designer II | 2-4 years | $82,454 |
| CAE Designer III | 4-7 years | $113,653 |
| CAE Designer IV | 7+ years | $131,189 |
| CAE Designer V | 7-10 years | $149,529 |
| CAE Designer VI | 10-12 years | $199,524 |
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 Designer IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a CAE Designer IV'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 April 01, 2026For a CAE Designer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAE Designer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $149,529 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a CAE Designer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,264 in 2023 to around $114,023 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAE Designer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $116,264 |
| 2024 | $115,597 |
| 2025 | $114,023 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A CAE Designer IV's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a CAE Designer IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CAE Designer IV is $165,469.
The highest pay for CAE Designer IV is $147,319.
The lowest pay for CAE Designer IV is $112,023.
Utilizes computer-aided engineering (CAE) software tools to support and optimize the design engineering process for complex products, components, or structures. Creates prototypes, detailed layouts, and models to support the conceptual design process. Conducts research and analysis to understand requirements and specifications, identify optimal materials, and assess manufacturability. Performs computer simulations to find flaws or design inefficiencies, model various load and stress scenarios, and implement design improvements. Collects and assembles data and maintains design documentation. Employs CAE tools to enable benchmarking, concept design, prototype development, simulation, and testing protocols. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
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.)
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