As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Design Engineer in Fullerton, CA is $111,502 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, an Automotive Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Automotive 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Automotive 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 |
|---|---|
| Tool Desi... Level Automotive Design Engineer | $82,997 |
| Tool Desi... Level Automotive Design Engineer | $97,358 |
| Automotiv... Level Automotive Design Engineer | $110,866 |
| Tool Desi... Level Automotive Design Engineer | $134,428 |
| Tool Desi... Level Automotive Design Engineer | $158,489 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.61% |
| Architectural Drawing | 3.09% |
| Work Ethic | 2.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Communications
|
$120,422 |
8%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$120,422 |
8%
|
|
Business Ethics
|
$118,192 |
6%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$115,962 |
4%
|
|
Logistics
|
$114,847 |
3%
|
|
Organizing
|
$114,847 |
3%
|
For Automotive Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Automotive Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $144,953 | $70.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $139,377 | $67.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $133,802 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $133,802 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $128,227 | $62.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Automotive 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automotive Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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