As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Test Engineer I in the United States is $81,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Electrical Test Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical Test Engineer I'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Electrical Test Engineer I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Test Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,909 |
| EE II | 2-4 years | $99,285 |
| EE III | 4-7 years | $120,760 |
| EE IV | 7+ years | $143,788 |
| EE V | 7-10 years | $166,832 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Electrical Test Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.91% |
| Design Engineering | 3.02% |
| Programming | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$99,208 |
21%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$86,090 |
5%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$85,270 |
4%
|
|
Product Development
|
$84,450 |
3%
|
|
System Design
|
$84,450 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$83,630 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electrical Test Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Electrical Test Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,106 and $80,944).
Electrical Test Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 3.2% |
| Bachelors | 64.6% |
| Masters | 26.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how an Electrical Test Engineer I'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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical Test Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer II | $99,600 | 21% |
| EE II | $99,300 | 21% |
| Electronics Design Engineer II | $99,600 | 21% |
| RF Engineer II | $99,590 | 21% |
Salaries for an Electrical Test Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,966 in 2023 to around $89,144 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Electrical Test Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $91,966 |
| 2024 | $90,794 |
| 2025 | $89,144 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Electrical Test Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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System Test Engineers often face tight deadlines and complex problem-solving, which can be stressful. However, stress levels can be managed through effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying updated with testing methodologies. The salary for this role typically ranges from $76,290 to $86,790, reflecting the responsibilities and challenges involved.
Yes, test engineers can earn a competitive salary. For Electrical Test Engineers, the salary ranges from a minimum of $76,290 to a maximum of $86,790, with a mid-range salary of $81,390. This reflects a solid earning potential within the field, making it a viable career choice for many.
Electrical Test Engineers in the USA typically earn between $76,290 and $86,790 annually, with a median salary of around $81,390. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.
The highest salary that an Electrical Test Engineer can earn is $86,790 per year.
Engineers making $200,000 a year typically hold senior or specialized positions, such as Senior ASIC Verification Engineer or Security AI Engineer. In contrast, Electrical Test Engineers earn between $76,290 and $86,790 annually, with a mid-salary of $81,390. To reach higher salary brackets, consider advancing skills or transitioning to more specialized roles.
Most jobs that pay over $200k a year typically include high-level positions in fields like medicine and law, which require extensive education and training. In contrast, an Electrical Test Engineer earns between $76,290 and $86,790 annually, highlighting the significant salary difference in various professions.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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