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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Design Engineer in Virginia is $138,403 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
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 | $149,452 | $12,454 | $2,874 | $72 |
| Average | $138,403 | $11,534 | $2,662 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,369 | $10,364 | $2,392 | $60 |
EMD LLC - Woodbridge, VA
Metromont - Stephenson, VA
Apco Technologies - Newport News, VA
Acoustical Sheetmetal Company LLC - Virginia Beach, VA
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 | $91,310 |
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $114,149 |
| Staff Des... Level Staff Design Engineer | $139,378 |
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $163,272 |
| Product D... Level Staff Design Engineer | $149,445 |
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 | $163,316 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $159,164 | $77.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $159,164 | $77.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $152,243 | $73.0 | 10% |
| Media | $152,243 | $73.0 | 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 | $149,452 | $12,454 | $2,874 | $72 |
| Average | $138,403 | $11,534 | $2,662 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,369 | $10,364 | $2,392 | $60 |
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.
Tate Access Floors Inc
Saint Paul, VA
Tate Access Floors Inc | Saint Paul, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Design Engineer. . Job Type. Full-time, Exempt. . Duration of role. Permanent. Location. United States. Report... more
5 Days Ago
Triad Engineering
Winchester, VA
Triad Engineering | Winchester, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Triad Engineering, Inc. has an immediate need for a Staff Engineer within the Quality Control department of our Wincheste... more
2 Days Ago
Rise Technical
Lynchburg, VA
Rise Technical | Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg, VA. $100,000 - $120,000 + Progression + Training + Life insurance + Medical + Dental + Vision + 401k Match + PTO + Vacation. Are you an Electric... more
1 Day Ago
Worldwide Mission Critical LLC
Chantilly, VA
Worldwide Mission Critical LLC | Chantilly, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority for mechanical systems des... more
1 Day Ago
Worldwide Mission Critical LLC
Chantilly, VA
Worldwide Mission Critical LLC | Chantilly, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. As an Electrical Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in guiding the planning, coordination, and e... more
1 Day Ago
ProChem Inc.
Elliston, VA
ProChem Inc. | Elliston, VA
We are seeking a chemical engineering professional who is. motivated by a challenge. seeks to provide creative solutions, and strives for quality in the de... more
2 Days Ago
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