As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Circuit Design Engineer in the United States is $72,729 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Circuit Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Circuit 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, education 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 Circuit Design Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 8.93% |
| Illustrator | 2.83% |
| Schematic | 1.55% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$82,911 |
14%
|
|
Insight
|
$82,183 |
13%
|
|
Consulting
|
$81,456 |
12%
|
|
Installation
|
$77,820 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$76,365 |
5%
|
|
Conceptual Design
|
$75,638 |
4%
|
For Circuit Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Circuit Design Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Circuit Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $94,547 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,274 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $80,001 | $38.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Circuit Design Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Circuit Design Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $61,085 and $69,497).
Circuit Design Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.5% |
| High School | 9.1% |
| Associates | 40.9% |
| Bachelors | 27.3% |
| Masters | 4.5% |
| Doctorate | 13.6% |
Understanding how a Circuit 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Circuit Design Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,549 in 2023 to around $64,391 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Circuit Design Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,549 |
| 2024 | $64,633 |
| 2025 | $64,391 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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