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Your job title is worth €45,000. We surveyed 106 design engineers to find out.
A newly conducted survey involving 106 design engineers across Europe highlights the substantial impact that job titles have on salary. The analysis suggests that while many engineers share similar skills and responsibilities, the designation can lead to differences of up to €45,000 in earnings. The results point to a median income of €115,000 for those labeled as 'Design Engineer' contrary to many who identify as 'Frontend Engineer,' earning around €70,000. This discrepancy underlines the need for clarity in job titles within the hiring process in an industry lacking settled market rates.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 24 Aug 2026, 10:50 UTC5 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Survey of 106 design engineers in Europe conducted.
- Median earnings range from €40,000 to over €150,000.
- Significant pay gap of €45,000 based on job title alone.
- Individuals with 'Design Engineer' titles earn a median of €115,000.
- Compensation may vary widely even among engineers with similar roles.
Interesting facts
- 46% of surveyed engineers do not have 'Design Engineer' in their contract.
- Remote and onsite engineers earn the same median salary of €115,000.
- The lowest-paying role for design engineers is not in startups, but in established companies.