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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chip Design Engineer in California is $90,182 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Chip Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chip Design Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,137 | $8,011 | $1,849 | $46 |
| Average | $90,182 | $7,515 | $1,734 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,297 | $6,691 | $1,544 | $39 |
Etched - San Jose, CA
Metriport - San Francisco, CA
Innogrit - San Jose, CA
Sandis - Campbell, CA
A Chip 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Chip Design Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Chip Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Chip Design Engineer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chip Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $99,200 | $48.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chip 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $96,137 | $8,011 | $1,849 | $46 |
| Average | $90,182 | $7,515 | $1,734 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,297 | $6,691 | $1,544 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chip Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sandis
Santa Cruz, CA
Sandis | Santa Cruz, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Sandis is currently looking for a Design Engineer to join our growing team in Santa Cruz, CA. Our ideal candidate has exp... more
2 Days Ago
Higher Talent Group LLC
Irvine, CA
Higher Talent Group LLC | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Design Engineer – Irvine, California. . . About our Client. Our Client is a global provider within a wide range of areas,... more
3 Days Ago
Sandis
Roseville, CA
Sandis | Roseville, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Sandis is currently looking for a Design Engineer to join our growing team in Roseville, CA. Our ideal candidate has expe... more
4 Days Ago
Acceler8 Talent
Berkeley, CA
Acceler8 Talent | Berkeley, CA
Hiring: Digital IC Design Engineer. Location. Berkeley, California. Working model. Onsite, five days per week. Compensation. From $180,000 base salary, plu... more
5 Days Ago
Specialized Recruiting Group - Irvine, CA
Irvine, CA
Specialized Recruiting Group - Irvine, CA | Irvine, CA
Specialized Recruiting Group Irvine is recruiting for a Mechanical Design Engineer for an industrial manufacturing and design company. Our client designs a... more
5 Days Ago
Rock West Composites
San Diego, CA
Rock West Composites | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Rock West Composites is seeking a. Design Engineer. to design and develop advanced composite structures and products for ... more
5 Days Ago
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