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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Highway Design Engineer in California is $93,756 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Highway Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Highway Design Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $103,533 | $8,628 | $1,991 | $50 |
| Average | $93,756 | $7,813 | $1,803 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,937 | $7,161 | $1,653 | $41 |
TKDA - Riverside, CA
Sandis - Roseville, CA
Rock West Composites - San Diego, CA
Cal Solar Inc - San Diego, CA
A Highway 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 Highway 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 Highway Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (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, Highway Design Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Highway Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $121,883 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $112,507 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $112,507 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $112,507 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $107,819 | $52.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Highway 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 | $103,533 | $8,628 | $1,991 | $50 |
| Average | $93,756 | $7,813 | $1,803 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,937 | $7,161 | $1,653 | $41 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Highway Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Innogrit
San Jose, CA
Innogrit | San Jose, CA
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Oakland, CA
Sandis | Oakland, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Sandis is currently looking for a Design Engineer to join our team in Oakland, CA. Our ideal candidate has experience wit... more
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San Francisco, CA
Lean In | San Francisco, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. Under routine supervision, primarily responsible for the enhancement of existing products on our sustaining team. Involve... more
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San Francisco, CA
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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
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