As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Design Engineer in Durham, CA is $142,537 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Lead Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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 a Lead 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 Lead Design Engineer | $92,807 |
| Product D... Level Lead Design Engineer | $116,014 |
| Lead Desi... Level Lead Design Engineer | $141,656 |
| Product D... Level Lead Design Engineer | $165,947 |
| Product D... Level Lead Design Engineer | $151,891 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.25% |
| Manufacturing Processes | 2.06% |
| Casting | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Design of Experiments
|
$161,067 |
13%
|
|
Process Management
|
$155,366 |
9%
|
|
Interface Design
|
$153,940 |
8%
|
|
Research Design
|
$152,515 |
7%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$152,515 |
7%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$151,090 |
6%
|
For Lead 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, Lead Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $168,194 | $81.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $163,918 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $163,918 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $156,791 | $75.0 | 10% |
| Media | $156,791 | $75.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 Lead Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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