As of April 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 | $80,059 |
| Firmware Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,784 |
| Firmware Engineer III | 4-7 years | $115,987 |
| Firmware Engineer IV | 7+ years | $141,494 |
| Firmware Engineer V | 7-10 years | $160,572 |
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%
|
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 April 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 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.
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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