As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Development Engineer in the United States is $115,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Development 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 Development 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Development Engineer | $112,363 |
| Intermediate Level Development Engineer | $112,622 |
| Senior Level Development Engineer | $113,658 |
| Specialist Level Development Engineer | $118,135 |
| Expert Level Development Engineer | $120,327 |
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 Development Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.08% |
| Computer Vision | 2.84% |
| Deep Learning | 2.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep Learning
|
$126,378 |
9%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$124,059 |
7%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$122,900 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$122,900 |
6%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$120,581 |
4%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$120,581 |
4%
|
For Development Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Development Engineer positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Development Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $173,914 | $84.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Development Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Development Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,563 and $123,542).
Development Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 14.7% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
Understanding how a Development 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Development Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $118,437 in 2023 to around $117,167 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Development Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $118,437 |
| 2024 | $118,834 |
| 2025 | $117,167 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Development Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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