Design Engineer Salary in Seattle 2026
Seattle, WA continues to hire experienced Design Engineers, especially for teams building customer-focused digital products. Salaries vary by seniority and company stage, but top performers can earn well above the local median. Design Engineers in Seattle, WA often collaborate across research, product strategy, and design systems. Many employers in Seattle, WA are investing in design systems to scale product quality efficiently.
Compensation is influenced by company stage, product complexity, and the ability to drive measurable outcomes. Experience with Figma, prototyping, and usability testing remains a core expectation. Local teams are prioritizing user-centered design to improve retention and reduce churn. Each listing includes role details, compensation ranges, and links to apply directly. If you are early in your search, start with the highest-signal listings and track applications consistently.
Salary Distribution
Cost of Living Analysis
Seattle has a cost of living index of 135, which can influence take-home value even when salaries appear higher. Consider housing, transportation, and tax differences when evaluating offers.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York | $173,000 |
| San Francisco | $180,000 |
| Seattle | $166,000 |
| Boston | $160,000 |
| Los Angeles | $160,000 |