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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Design Engineer in North Carolina is $130,610 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Staff Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Staff Design Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $141,037 | $11,753 | $2,712 | $68 |
| Average | $130,610 | $10,884 | $2,512 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,366 | $9,780 | $2,257 | $56 |
Infineon Technologies - Morrisville, NC
Brightpath Associates LLC - Snow Hill, NC
SunEnergy1LLC - Shawboro, NC
ISAT Total Support - Matthews, NC
A Staff 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 Staff 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 |
|---|---|
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $86,169 |
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $107,722 |
| Staff Des... Level Staff Design Engineer | $131,530 |
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $154,079 |
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $141,030 |
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 Staff 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 Staff Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 46% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Staff Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $154,120 | $74.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $150,202 | $72.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $150,202 | $72.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $143,671 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Media | $143,671 | $69.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Staff 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 | $141,037 | $11,753 | $2,712 | $68 |
| Average | $130,610 | $10,884 | $2,512 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,366 | $9,780 | $2,257 | $56 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Staff Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Aalberts integrated piping systems
Charlotte, NC
Aalberts integrated piping systems | Charlotte, NC
Design Engineer II. Ready to change the future, your way. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Design Engineer II to unlock your ambition and work... more
3 Days Ago
INFOSYS NOVA HOLDINGS LLC
Kinston, NC
INFOSYS NOVA HOLDINGS LLC | Kinston, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a... more
3 Days Ago
Computer Task Group, Inc
Charlotte, NC
Computer Task Group, Inc | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. Join CTG and Elevate Your Career. CTG has partnered with an international, Fortune 500 end-client for over 15 y... more
3 Days Ago
Bolton & Menk, Inc
Charlotte, NC
Bolton & Menk, Inc | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer, EIT, to join our Transportation team in our Charlotte of... more
2 Days Ago
HireNetworks
Raleigh, NC
HireNetworks | Raleigh, NC
Sustaining Mechanical Engineer (permanent position) – Raleigh, NC. Our client is seeking a. Sustaining Mechanical Engineer, Level II whose primary function... more
2 Days Ago
BalsamWest FiberNET, LLC
Sylva, NC
BalsamWest FiberNET, LLC | Sylva, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Company car. Dental insurance. Health insurance. Opportunity for advancement. Paid time off. Training &... more
2 Days Ago
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