As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Engineer Manager in the United States is $177,726 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.
However, a Design Engineer Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Design Engineer Manager'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 Design Engineer Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Electrica... Level Design Engineer Manager | $100,710 |
| Electrica... Level Design Engineer Manager | $127,023 |
| Electrica... Level Design Engineer Manager | $150,465 |
| Design En... Level Design Engineer Manager | $178,814 |
| Electrica... Level Design Engineer Manager | $196,055 |
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 Design Engineer Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 37.89% |
| Construction Estimating | 1.19% |
| Microsoft Office | 0.73% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$202,608 |
14%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$190,167 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$188,390 |
6%
|
|
People Management
|
$188,390 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$188,390 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$186,612 |
5%
|
For Design Engineer Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Design Engineer Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Engineer Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $213,271 | $103.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $209,717 | $101.0 | 18% |
| Software & Networking | $199,053 | $96.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $195,499 | $94.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $195,499 | $94.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Design Engineer Managers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Design Engineer Manager with a No Diploma is between $179,616 and $189,222).
Design Engineer Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 3.1% |
| Associates | 1.0% |
| Bachelors | 49.0% |
| Masters | 36.5% |
| Doctorate | 9.4% |
Understanding how a Design Engineer Manager'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 Design Engineer Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $180,793 in 2023 to around $172,380 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Design Engineer Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $180,793 |
| 2024 | $176,692 |
| 2025 | $172,380 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Design Engineer Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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