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Job outlook for product design engineers in the United States
Product design engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected product design engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for product design engineers are projected over the next decade.
Product design engineer salaries have increased 7% for product design engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 63,787 product design engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 170,485 active product design engineer job openings in the US.
The average product design engineer salary is $94,827.
Are product design engineer jobs in demand?
Product design engineer job and salary trends over time
Product design engineer jobs over time
Product design engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63,787 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 67,391 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 70,378 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 69,564 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 66,779 | 0.02% |
Average product design engineer salary over time
Product design engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $94,827 | $45.59 | +2.0% |
| 2025 | $93,008 | $44.72 | +1.2% |
| 2024 | $91,893 | $44.18 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $90,326 | $43.43 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $88,548 | $42.57 | +0.7% |
Product design engineer jobs by state
Most common states for product design engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 415 | 60% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,064 | 37% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,235 | 33% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,327 | 32% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,846 | 31% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 214 | 28% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 10,748 | 27% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,022 | 27% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,900 | 27% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 156 | 27% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 506 | 26% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 252 | 26% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,598 | 25% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,104 | 25% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,462 | 25% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 790 | 25% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 186 | 25% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,029 | 24% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 325 | 24% |
| 20 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,275 | 23% |
Most common cities for product design engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 11 | 18% | $145,734 |
| 2 | Fridley | 2 | 7% | $75,051 |
| 3 | Elkhart | 3 | 6% | $74,868 |
| 4 | Culver City | 2 | 5% | $133,400 |
| 5 | Greenville | 2 | 3% | $67,177 |
| 6 | Boulder | 2 | 2% | $108,844 |
| 7 | San Jose | 7 | 1% | $145,539 |
| 8 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $78,720 |
| 9 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $87,393 |
| 10 | Albuquerque | 1 | 0% | $96,381 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $71,629 |
| 12 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $88,244 |
Product Design Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of product design engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Bellingham Technical College
Duke University
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
University of San Diego
University of South Alabama
Oregon State University
What will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Tzuyang Yu Ph.D.: A few tips to share with junior engineers are listed below. Be eager to learn from peers and other senior engineers, be open-minded to make friends, be adaptive to different cultures in the work environment, be professional (e.g., be punctual at deadlines, be mindful in appearance), be empathetic (focus on people, not mobile devices).
What will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
What general advice would you give to a Product Design 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 Product Design 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
What general advice would you give to a Product Design Engineer?
Davide Masato: The high demand for plastics engineers facilitates maximizing starting salaries. Graduates with co-op experience enjoy a competitive edge. To grow both as engineers and team members, young professionals should actively seek professional development opportunities. Continuous learning and seeking advancement within the organization or externally are key. Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, even remotely, enhances qualifications and marketability.
What Product Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Davide Masato: As a graduate entering the field of plastics engineering, I recommend focusing on continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and seeking mentorship through participation in professional societies. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't hesitate to network within the industry. Developing strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail will set a solid foundation for your career.
What will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Davide Masato: In the forthcoming years, key skills in plastics engineering will undoubtedly continue to revolve around material selection, leveraging digital tools like simulation for design optimization, and automation. Sustainability will be paramount and should be vertically integrated in the plastics industry. However, of utmost importance will be considering sustainability at the design phase to maximize benefits throughout the product life cycle and at its end of life.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Product Design 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 Product Design 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.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Product Design 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 Product Design 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.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Product Design Engineer?
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
What Product Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jiayue Shen: It's essential to stay curious and eager to learn, as the field is continually evolving. Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends through seeking out learning opportunities and maintaining a curiosity about new developments is crucial. Additionally, building a robust professional network and seeking mentorship can offer valuable insights and guidance. Embracing interdisciplinary projects is also key, as the field is expanding beyond purely mechanical aspects. Being dynamic and proactive in interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds will be beneficial, as collaboration across disciplines is increasingly important in this field.
What will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Product Design 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 Product Design 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 Product Design 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 Product Design 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 will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Continue learning! The field of engineering is continuously evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Pursue ongoing education through workshops or certifications to stay current with industry trends and advancements. After gaining some practical experience, consider applying for a master's degree to further technical knowledge and skills.
What will help Product Design 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 Product Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
Kyle Miller
Welding Technologies instructor - Pipe TradesBellingham Technical College
Precision Metal Working
What general advice would you give to a Product Design Engineer?
Kyle Miller: The advice I feel the most compelled to offer, based on personal experience, is to embrace the first few years in the field as a nebulous growth period. There is often a rush for graduates to 'realize their identity' in the field, at the risk of narrowing their potential in the trades. The first year or two is a great time to shake every hand and make every acquaintance possible. A lot of those interactions can help guide a trades-person along a pathway they didn't realize was possible upon their first steps into the working world.
What general advice would you give to a Product Design Engineer?
Dr. Jimmie Lenz D.B.A.: A primary reason is the value placed on the quantitative nature of an engineering degree and the fact that this is primarily applied learning and skills, as opposed to the theoretical nature of some other areas of quantitative study. Being able to start working as soon as they start is very attractive to employers, as well as the broad knowledge of software, artificial intelligence, and data science that most engineers leave school with.
What Product Design 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.
Jim Gordon
Faculty- Construction ManagementOklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
What Product Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jim Gordon: First, always be learning, the more you know the more value you have as an employee. Show up on time ready to work and always give your best effort.
Dr. Imane Khalil
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean of Graduate ProgramsUniversity of San Diego
Mechanical Engineering
What Product Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Imane Khalil: While technologies like AI and data science are becoming important across all sectors from medicine to engineering, the most crucial skill for any profession remains people skills. Continuously developing your interpersonal abilities, such as respecting colleagues, honesty, reliability, and effective communication, is the most important key to success at work.
What will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Imane Khalil: It's important not to limit yourself in terms of the type of work or the product you want to be involved in creating at the start of your career. Any engineering job is fine to start your career. You may not yet have the experience to know your preferences. Instead, seek out opportunities for rotational positions that expose you to different stages of product creation, from design to analysis, development, testing, and manufacturing. All products go through the same cycle (design, analysis, development, testing, and at the end manufacturing). Explore and see what you enjoy doing.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Product Design 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.
What general advice would you give to a Product Design Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What general advice would you give to a Product Design Engineer?
Devin Roach PhD: Maximizing your salary potential starts with setting yourself apart from other students by developing specialized, marketable skills. To achieve this, students should aim to acquire targeted experiences, such as learning full stack programming, participating in internships that hone specific skills, or dedicating their time to a focused extracurricular activity.
What Product Design Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Devin Roach PhD: Apart from a strong knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, students should focus on developing proficiency in emerging technologies such as machine learning (ML) applied to mechanical systems. Additionally, skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software will continue to be essential, especially as these tools evolve to incorporate advanced features like generative design and optimization algorithms. Moreover, expertise in sustainable design principles and renewable energy systems will likely become increasingly important as industries prioritize environmental sustainability. Finally, strong communication and collaboration skills will remain crucial, especially as mechanical engineers work in interdisciplinary teams and interact with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
What will help Product Design Engineers increase their earning potential?
Devin Roach PhD: I would advise all graduates starting their careers in Mechanical Engineering to prioritize continuous learning and skill development. Stay updated on the latest advancements in the field such as emerging technologies, updated design standards, or innovative manufacturing processes. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience to enhance your practical skills and industry knowledge. Networking with professionals in your field and joining professional organizations like ASME can also provide valuable connections and resources for career growth. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as they are often just as crucial as technical expertise in succeeding in the workplace.