As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firmware Engineer I in District of Columbia is $88,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
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 | $88,623 |
| Firmware Engineer II | 2-4 years | $104,936 |
| Firmware Engineer III | 4-7 years | $128,421 |
| Firmware Engineer IV | 7+ years | $156,668 |
| Firmware Engineer V | 7-10 years | $177,762 |
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:
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 $99,210. While startup companies pay approximate $83,902.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,902 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $88,740 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $95,806 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $99,210 |
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 | $97,570 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $97,570 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $97,570 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $97,570 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $97,570 | $47.0 | 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 July 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 $105,000 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Firmware Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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