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Job outlook for lead development engineers in the United States
Lead development engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected lead development engineer job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 284,100 new jobs for lead development engineers are projected over the next decade.
Lead development engineer salaries have increased 10% for lead development engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 92,818 lead development engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 357,390 active lead development engineer job openings in the US.
The average lead development engineer salary is $114,658.
Are lead development engineer jobs in demand?
Lead development engineer job and salary trends over time
Lead development engineer jobs over time
Lead development engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92,818 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 182,062 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 122,059 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 266,393 | 0.08% |
| 2017 | 250,506 | 0.08% |
Average lead development engineer salary over time
Lead development engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $114,658 | $55.12 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $110,880 | $53.31 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $108,370 | $52.10 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $106,456 | $51.18 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $104,667 | $50.32 | +1.9% |
Lead development engineer jobs by state
Most common states for lead development engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 1,010 | 146% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 6,249 | 84% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 683 | 65% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,335 | 63% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,802 | 58% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 547 | 57% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,721 | 56% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 410 | 55% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 1,034 | 54% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,978 | 53% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 2,127 | 51% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 310 | 50% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,838 | 47% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 495 | 47% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 408 | 47% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 352 | 47% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,585 | 46% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 623 | 46% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 939 | 45% |
| 20 | California | 39,536,653 | 17,198 | 43% |
Most common cities for lead development engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooklyn Park | 4 | 5% | $104,751 |
| 2 | Costa Mesa | 1 | 1% | $143,420 |
| 3 | Lawrence | 1 | 1% | $104,644 |
| 4 | Plymouth | 1 | 1% | $104,776 |
| 5 | Quincy | 1 | 1% | $115,628 |
| 6 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $115,623 |
| 7 | Charlotte | 1 | 0% | $107,530 |
| 8 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $101,132 |
| 9 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $104,641 |
| 10 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $100,567 |
| 11 | Saint Petersburg | 1 | 0% | $105,033 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $161,477 |
Lead Development Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of lead development engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
California State University - Sacramento
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Nova Southeastern University
Carnegie Mellon University
Duke University
Seminole State College of Florida
University of South Alabama
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 2. Computer science remains in high demand in today's job market, with California exemplifying this trend. In recent years, the number of open positions in the state has exceeded the average demand rate by 1.5 times. At the University of the Pacific, our CS program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in this landscape. Through our co-op program, in collaboration with recruiters such as Nvidia, HP, and Lawrence Livermore National Lab, students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships lasting approximately 8 months. These internships provide invaluable exposure to real-world work settings and allow students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts and gain valuable industry insights. It is worth noting that many of our graduates choose to return to the same company post-graduation.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 3. The appeal of computer science among students is often attributed to the relatively short journey from concept to execution. Unlike many engineering fields where hardware constraints can impede the swift realization of ideas, the development of software offers a streamlined process. With nothing more than access to a computer and relative proficiency in programming, individuals can swiftly transform their ideas into tangible solutions. This accessibility and agility contribute to the popularity of CS among aspiring students. On the other hand, CS heavily relies on abstract analysis as a fundamental skill for success. Students who struggle with grasping abstract concepts may find themselves frustrated or disengaged with the field.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: Hit the ground running. If you are asked to put in 40 hours work 50 hours. Prove yourself and always take on new challenges since that is how you grow.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Brandis: The nation needs engineers across many disciplines. There isn’t one skill that is needed. Honesty and integrity (do what’s right, be honest and be dependable) Leadership - ability to meet deadlines, resolve conflict, balance competing demands, communicate in groups and influence peers, manage budgets
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: As a Computer Science graduate, it’s vital to work on independent projects outside of course projects or assigned tasks. This allows you to apply your knowledge and explore new areas and opportunities. Showcasing these projects in a digital portfolio provides a visual and tangible representation of your skills and growth. Emphasizing your attention to clean coding and documentation reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. The field is vast and rapidly evolving, so stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy your professional journey. Avoid getting caught up in fleeting trends. Understanding the difference between work, job, and career is crucial; find work and jobs that contribute to your long-term career aspirations while steadily maintaining your focus on your career goals. In addition, being aware of the organization’s environment and culture at the workplace you intend to work at is important. Familiarize yourself with workplace methodologies like Agile, Just-In-Time (JIT), DevOps, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Extreme Programming (XP), Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) (to name a few). Each organization will have its unique blend of these elements, and knowing what works best for you will help you thrive in your chosen career path. Remember, the key to success in this dynamic field is continuous learning and adaptation.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: To optimize your earning potential in the field of Computer Science, it’s important to establish a solid educational foundation and master widely-used programming languages and technologies. Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience, and obtaining industrial certifications in specialized areas can significantly increase your marketability. Cultivating a robust professional network and honing your salary negotiation skills are also key. It’s important to stay updated with the latest technological advancements, salary trends, and consider focusing on a niche area in high demand. From the outset of your career conversations, it’s beneficial to communicate clear salary expectations. Conduct thorough research on the current market rates for the role you’re targeting to ensure your expectations are realistic. Understanding your worth in the market is crucial, and you should aim for a salary that not only reflects your skills and experience but also keeps you motivated and invested in your work. Remember, while salary is a significant factor, aspects like work-life balance and job satisfaction also play a vital role in your overall career satisfaction. Aim for a win-win salary negotiation where both you and your employer feel the compensation is fair and equitable.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: The field of Computer Science is a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape. Over the next 3-5 years, several skills will gain prominence. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be indispensable due to the surge in data generation. Cybersecurity will become critical as our reliance on digital systems intensifies, and it will be everyone’s prerogative to ensure the security of their digital assets. Essential cybersecurity skills will include understanding of network security, proficiency in security software tools, knowledge of threat and vulnerability assessment, and the ability to implement incident response and recovery plans. Proficiency in Cloud Computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure will be sought after as businesses increasingly transition to the cloud. Data Science and Analytics will continue to be pivotal for data-driven decision making. Quantum Computing, though nascent, holds the potential to revolutionize the field. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving will be vital in managing complex, interdisciplinary projects. In this dynamic field, employees who know how to learn, unlearn, and relearn will have a competitive advantage. This is particularly true with the emerging importance for AI programming languages like Julia, Swift for TensorFlow, and Rust.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential, I recommend growing your professional network and being flexible within your career. Attending professional gatherings and rubbing shoulders goes a very long way. It’s amazing how you can casually bump into some well-respected team leader that’s trying to fill an opening or glean information about a new project that needs fresh talent. Network with people in diverse fields and roles. You never know who knows who. Making a positive impression and having someone recognize your name down the line can go a very long way!
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Build skills in high demand areas such as data analytics, supply chain management, and automation. Certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) can make a candidate more attractive and justify a higher starting salary. Internships can also provide valuable industry experience and can often lead to higher starting salaries.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megumi Usui: Given the rapid advancement in AI technology, its potential integration into the drafting and design field remains uncertain in terms of timing and methodology. However, if and when AI becomes a significant component of this industry, it will be crucial to find ways to collaborate effectively with AI systems to leverage their capabilities for the betterment of society. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, this collaborative approach will be essential. In this evolving landscape, proficiency in CAD skills remains indispensable. It is important to emphasize that CAD expertise extends beyond mere modeling; professionals must also ensure that their designs are sustainable and adhere to the latest industry standards. This holistic approach is critical for addressing contemporary challenges and aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, the significance of complementary skills such as effective communication and time management cannot be overstated. These competencies are vital for the successful execution of projects and fostering productive collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. By integrating technical proficiency with these essential soft skills, professionals can excel in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, positioning themselves to adapt to future technological advancement.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth Adams PhD, PE: My personal recommendation for maximizing your salary potential is to play the long game. Focus on learning and becoming an expert in your field – find the area you enjoy working in and get really good at it. Maybe it’s bridge construction, maybe it’s electrical infrastructure, maybe it’s project management. Internships and co-op experiences during your college years are invaluable as they are excellent resume boosters and networking opportunities, and they can help you differentiate between areas you are more and less interested in.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kin Chung Kwan: We are in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. AI development will continue to be a global priority and dominate the tech landscape in the next few years. For computer scientists seeking career progression, gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI is crucial. Furthermore, understanding limitations, ethical considerations, safety and security measures associated with AI is an important responsibility that every computer scientist should be aware of.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kin Chung Kwan: Programming is the cornerstone of computer science. Solving problems effectively through proficient programming is a vital key to career success. Learning programming is like athletic training. One cannot become a skilled athlete solely through attending lectures. Programming skills can only be improved with consistent practice. Learning new techniques and repeated practice can help professionals refine their programming abilities and achieve career success.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelvin Erickson: a. Artificial Intelligence - The use of artificial intelligence as a tool in engineering has been around for awhile, but there have not been many successes. There is a lot more interest now, which I expect will eventually find some uses. Programming - The programming may not be in the “traditional” language sense. But, one will be faced with an occasional programming task like writing an Excel macro, or a JavaScript or Python script.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Being capable to perform, being competitive to excel, being able to communicate as a team player, being a connoisseur to act, being a clairvoyance to perceive, being creative to innovate, being conscientious with professional integrity.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer science is an algorithm science for problem solving in real world applications. The skills of problem solving require critical thinking with solid foundation of the professional knowledge in the relevant domains. It is crucial to have strong critical thinking skill with sophisticated logical and philosophical perspectives.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Jonathan Aldrich: Hone your skills so you are great at what you do, and gradually build to be great at what you want to do next. When you are confident in your current position, look for the next step--which may be a promotion in your current organization or a new job outside it.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Aldrich: AI is a powerful new tool but it is also unreliable. Learn how you can use it but also what its limitations are, so that you can protect yourself and your customers from those limitations. Always have a way to double-check that the results of AI are sensible and appropriate. No one is a lone coder anymore--you'll be more effective if you can work with other people and with tools that multiply your capabilities. Work on your teamwork skills and keep your eye out for new tools and technologies that make you more effective.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Aldrich: Be open to new experiences and focus on learning from them. A degree in computing gives you a foundation but there will be new challenges in every job; always be thinking about what you can do to become more effective at your tasks.
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jimmie Lenz D.B.A.: Engineering encompasses so many areas of modern life that it’s impossible to provide a comprehensive answer here. The training that engineers receive, both the technical and the applied nature, make these individuals quite attractive to all types of industries. Perhaps the most surprising to many people are the significant number of engineers employed in financial services.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Development Engineer?
Holger Findling: Most companies have a fixed range in salary for new hires. There is very limited space to negotiate a higher pay. It used to be a standard practice not to stay more than three years with a company because salary increases are associated with labor grade ranges. A larger salary increase can be realized by moving to a different company. Typically, 5% increase vs 3% salary increase. However, a programmer needs to continue studying in the field of interest. Earn a master's degree. Be the best you can be!
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holger Findling: Decide what technical area you would like to work in your field of expertise. Do you like to work for the aerospace industry? Decide what specific component you are interested in. Aircraft, Missiles, Energy, Navy - ships, Finance? The issue is that these components are developed in different states. For instance, in Florida Mid-Range missiles are developed and flight simulators. However, aircrafts are developed in Texas, Georgia, and Arizona, not in Florida. There are a lot of programmers needed for financial software. Most likely these jobs would be in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, California and Massachusetts. In other words understand what industry you would like to work for, and understand that the industries are clustered in different states.
What will help Lead Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Holger Findling: Technologies are changing very fast, and you must change with it. Don't be rigid. AI is going to increase in the next five years, and the demand for programmers will be high. You would have to take courses studying AI concepts. Bio-Medical fields and Biometrics will be expanding in capabilities and these fields will need a lot of programmers. Take some additional courses, for example Biology and Chemistry.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Lead Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.