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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Design Engineer in Iowa is $124,330 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Software Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Design Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $134,279 | $11,190 | $2,582 | $65 |
| Average | $124,330 | $10,361 | $2,391 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,560 | $9,463 | $2,184 | $55 |
Cottingham & Butler - Dubuque, IA
RFA Engineering - Dubuque, IA
Rogers Freels & Associates Inc - Johnston, IA
Wellmark, Inc. - Des Moines, IA
A Software 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Design 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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Software Design Engineer | $79,364 |
| Software ... Level Software Design Engineer | $102,134 |
| Software ... Level Software Design Engineer | $125,078 |
| Software ... Level Software Design Engineer | $144,709 |
| Software ... Level Software Design Engineer | $166,354 |
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 Software 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 Software Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 14% above the average. In contrast, Software Design Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $141,736 | $68.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $139,249 | $67.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $138,006 | $66.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $136,763 | $66.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $135,519 | $65.0 | 9% |
Understanding how a Software 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 | $134,279 | $11,190 | $2,582 | $65 |
| Average | $124,330 | $10,361 | $2,391 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,560 | $9,463 | $2,184 | $55 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
XL Specialized Trailers
Manchester, IA
XL Specialized Trailers | Manchester, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Country:United States of AmericaLocation:XL Specialized Trailers, 1086 South 3rd St., Manchester, Iowa 52057 Summary:Gene... more
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United Equipment Accessories
Waverly, IA
United Equipment Accessories | Waverly, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. POSITION. Design Engineer. COMPANY. United Equipment Accessories, Inc. POSITION SUMMARY. The Design Engineer... more
7 Days Ago
YBI Recruiting
Cedar Rapids, IA
YBI Recruiting | Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Description. Job Description. IFP Motion Solutions Inc. is seeking a talented and driven. Design Engineer. to join their team. As a Design Engineer, yo... more
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Cornerstone Building Brands
Mount Pleasant, IA
Cornerstone Building Brands | Mount Pleasant, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential ... more
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Bolton & Menk, Inc
Cedar Rapids, IA
Bolton & Menk, Inc | Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer, EIT, to join our Municipal team in our Cedar Rapids offi... more
3 Days Ago
Rogers Freels & Associates Inc
Dubuque, IA
Rogers Freels & Associates Inc | Dubuque, IA
Job Description. Job Description. RFA Engineering. (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engi... more
4 Days Ago
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