As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Device Engineer I in South Dakota is $72,769 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Medical Device Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Medical Device Engineer 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 Medical Device Engineer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Device Engineer I | 0-2 years | $72,769 |
| Medical Device Engineer II | 2-4 years | $86,979 |
| Medical Device Engineer III | 4-7 years | $102,481 |
| Medical Device Engineer IV | 7+ years | $124,945 |
| Medical Device Engineer V | 7-10 years | $154,291 |
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 Medical Device Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Medical Device Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,522. While startup companies pay approximate $69,122.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,122 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,054 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,771 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,522 |
For Medical Device Engineer I 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 Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Medical Device Engineer positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Medical Device Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $94,600 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $87,323 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $80,046 | $38.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Medical Device Engineer 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 Medical Device Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Medical Device Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $86,979 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Medical Device Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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