As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firmware Engineer I in the United States is $80,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Firmware Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Firmware 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Firmware 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware Engineer I | 0-2 years | $80,036 |
| Firmware Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,774 |
| Firmware Engineer III | 4-7 years | $115,987 |
| Firmware Engineer IV | 7+ years | $141,500 |
| Firmware Engineer V | 7-10 years | $160,544 |
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 Firmware Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Integrity | 4.18% |
| Open Source | 4.35% |
| Machine Learning | 2.5% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Calibration
|
$85,707 |
7%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$85,707 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$83,304 |
4%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$83,304 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$83,304 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$82,503 |
3%
|
Firmware Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,667. While startup companies pay approximate $75,856.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,856 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $80,227 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,590 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,667 |
For Firmware Engineer I 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, Firmware Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Firmware Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $88,110 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $88,110 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $88,110 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $88,110 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,110 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Firmware 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 August 01, 2026For a Firmware Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Firmware Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $94,800 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Firmware Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,391 in 2023 to around $77,771 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Firmware Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $79,391 |
| 2024 | $78,725 |
| 2025 | $77,771 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Firmware Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The salary for a Firmware Engineer typically ranges from $78,900 to $88,700, with a mid-point of $83,400. This reflects the general market rates, which may differ from specific company salaries. While Apple may offer competitive compensation, the average salary for this role is significantly higher than the typical range.
A Firmware Engineer in Texas typically earns between $78,900 and $88,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $83,400. While some top earners may make significantly more, the average salary for this role is generally aligned with these figures.
The estimated total pay for a Firmware Engineer is between $78,900 and $88,700 per year, with a mid-salary of $83,400. These figures represent the salary range based on industry data, reflecting the compensation for firmware engineers in the field.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA are typically found in Computer and IT Engineering, with average salaries of USD 140,830 and USD 132,930, respectively. In comparison, Firmware Engineers earn between USD 78,900 and USD 88,700, with a mid-salary of USD 83,400, reflecting a competitive but lower range than the top engineering fields.
A Firmware Engineer at Lockheed Martin typically earns between $78,900 and $88,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $83,400. This range reflects the competitive compensation for this role, aligning with industry standards. Salary data is based on various sources, ensuring a comprehensive overview of earnings in this field.
The richest type of engineer varies, but Firmware Engineers earn competitive salaries. The salary range for Firmware Engineers is between $78,900 and $88,700, with a mid-salary of $83,400. While other engineering fields like Petroleum and Aerospace may offer higher median salaries, Firmware Engineering remains a lucrative career choice.
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