As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Test Engineer III in the United States is $120,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Electrical Test Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical Test Engineer III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| EE I | 0-2 years | $81,908 |
| EE II | 2-4 years | $99,284 |
| Electrical Test Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,760 |
| EE IV | 7+ years | $143,788 |
| EE V | 7-10 years | $166,827 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.98% |
| Installation | 2.94% |
| CAD | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$125,622 |
4%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$124,414 |
3%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$124,414 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$124,414 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$123,206 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$123,206 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electrical Test Engineer IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $111,642 and $116,868).
Electrical Test Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 1.2% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 41.0% |
| Doctorate | 14.2% |
Understanding how an Electrical Test Engineer III'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical Test Engineer III, 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 IV | $147,100 | 22% |
| EE IV | $143,800 | 19% |
| Electronics Design Engineer IV | $143,800 | 19% |
| RF Engineer IV | $143,800 | 19% |
Salaries for an Electrical Test Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $132,695 in 2023 to around $126,209 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Electrical Test Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $132,695 |
| 2024 | $132,076 |
| 2025 | $126,209 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Yes, test engineers can earn a good salary. Based on recent data, Electrical Test Engineers have a salary range from $107,390 to $126,890, with a mid-salary of $116,790. This indicates that they are well-compensated compared to the national median salary of $101,795 for test engineers in the U.S.
The highest-paid engineering careers in the U.S. include Petroleum Engineers with a median annual salary of $137,322 and Aerospace Engineers at $118,602. Electrical Test Engineers earn between $107,390 and $126,890, with a mid-salary of $116,790, making them among the well-compensated engineering roles.
The estimated total pay for an Electrical Test Engineer in the US ranges from $107,390 to $126,890 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately $116,790. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the demand for skilled electrical engineers.
An Electrical Engineer III is an experienced professional responsible for leading complex maintenance engineering functions, equipment repair, and troubleshooting activities on assigned projects. The salary for this role typically ranges from $107,390 to $126,890, with a midpoint of $116,790, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in the position.
The highest paid electrical engineer roles typically include positions like Electrical Test Engineer, with salaries ranging from $107,390 to $126,890. Other high-paying titles include Instrumentation Engineer, with a salary range of $71,776 to $142,610, and Hardware Design Engineer, among others. These roles reflect the diverse opportunities within the electrical engineering field.
An Electrical Test Engineer typically earns between $107,390 and $126,890 annually, with a mid-salary of $116,790. While it's possible for some specialized engineers to reach higher salaries, the standard range for this role does not typically reach $300k.
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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