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VP of Hardware Engineering Salary in San Jose, CA

How much does a VP of Hardware Engineering make in San Jose, CA?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a VP of Hardware Engineering in San Jose, CA is $373,839 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $180.

However, a VP of Hardware Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $410,594
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $355,574 to $393,078
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $338,945
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence VP of Hardware Engineering Salaries

A VP of Hardware Engineering'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects VP of Hardware Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a VP of Hardware Engineering'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:

  • Hardware Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $161,188
  • Hardware Engineering Manager (12+ years): $206,162
  • Hardware Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $242,751
  • Hardware Engineering Director (12+ years): $298,620
  • VP of Hardware Engineering (12+ years): $373,839
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Hardware Engineering Supervisor12+ years$161,188
Hardware Engineering Manager12+ years$206,162
Hardware Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$242,751
Hardware Engineering Director12+ years$298,620
VP of Hardware Engineering12+ years$373,839
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Top Paying Cities for VP of Hardware Engineerings

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $373,839
  • San Francisco: $369,746
  • Oakland: $361,954

VP of Hardware Engineering Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

VP of Hardware Engineering salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $417,353. While startup companies pay approximate $353,392.

VP of Hardware Engineering Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $353,392
Growth Stage 51~500 $373,667
Established 501~5000 $402,987
Enterprise 5000+ $417,353

VP of Hardware Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For VP of Hardware Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, VP of Hardware Engineering positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view VP of Hardware Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a VP of Hardware Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$326,031$157.010%
Biotechnology$326,031$157.010%
Energy & Utilities$326,031$157.010%
Financial Services$326,031$157.010%
Healthcare$326,031$157.010%

VP of Hardware Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a VP of Hardware Engineering'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 October 01, 2026
$355,574
Average $373,839/year
$393,078
$29,631
Average $31,153/month
$32,756
$6,838
Average $7,189/week
$7,559
$171
Average $180/hour
$189
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $393,078 $32,756 $7,559 $189
Average $373,839 $31,153 $7,189 $180
25th Percentile $355,574 $29,631 $6,838 $171

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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