As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firmware Engineer III in the United States is $116,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Firmware Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Firmware 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Firmware 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Integrity | 4.17% |
| Open Source | 4.33% |
| Machine Learning | 2.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$121,800 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$119,480 |
3%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$119,480 |
3%
|
|
Use Cases
|
$119,480 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$118,320 |
2%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$118,320 |
2%
|
Understanding how a Firmware 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, 2026For a Firmware Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Firmware Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $141,500 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Firmware Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,877 in 2023 to around $114,546 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Firmware Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $116,877 |
| 2024 | $117,006 |
| 2025 | $114,546 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Engineering jobs that pay around $200k a year typically include specialized roles such as Senior Firmware Engineer, Lead Software Engineer, and Principal Mechanical Engineer. However, the average salary for a Firmware Engineer ranges from $112,300 to $126,000, with a midpoint of $118,300, indicating that reaching $200k may require advanced experience or additional skills.
Level three engineers, or mid-level firmware engineers, build on their foundational knowledge and grasp best practices for coding and software development. They are proficient in various coding languages and adept with development tools. The salary range for this position is between $112,300 and $126,000, with a mid-point salary of $118,300.
A Firmware Engineer's salary typically ranges from $112,300 to $126,000 annually, with a mid-salary of $118,300. This range reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, depending on experience and expertise.
A good salary for a Firmware Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $112,300 to $126,000 annually, with a mid-salary of $118,300. This range reflects the competitive nature of the field, ensuring that skilled engineers are compensated fairly for their expertise and contributions.
Yes, firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growing need for embedded systems in various industries. With a competitive salary range from $112,300 to $126,000, and a median salary of $118,300, professionals in this field can expect attractive compensation as they contribute to innovative technology solutions.
The highest paid firmware engineer can expect a maximum salary of $126,000. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $112,300, with a mid-level salary around $118,300. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals.
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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