As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firmware Engineer V in the United States is $160,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.
However, a Firmware Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Firmware Engineer V Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $168,300 | $14,025 | $3,237 | $81 |
| Average | $160,600 | $13,383 | $3,088 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,300 | $12,775 | $2,948 | $74 |
A Firmware Engineer V'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 V'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 III | 4-7 years | $115,987 |
| Firmware Engineer IV | 7+ years | $141,502 |
| Firmware Engineer V | 7-10 years | $160,537 |
| Firmware Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $193,703 |
| Firmware Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $122,574 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.75% |
| Computer Engineering | 4% |
| Algorithms | 2.54% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Firmware Engineer V's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Learning | $179,872 | |
| Verbal Communication | $175,054 | |
| Scheduling | $173,448 |
Firmware Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $179,477. While startup companies pay approximate $151,819.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $151,819 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $160,564 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $173,308 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $179,477 |
Understanding how a Firmware Engineer V'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $168,300 | $14,025 | $3,237 | $81 |
| Average | $160,600 | $13,383 | $3,088 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,300 | $12,775 | $2,948 | $74 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Firmware Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Firmware Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $193,800 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a Firmware Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,096 in 2023 to around $152,746 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Firmware Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $159,096 |
| 2024 | $157,011 |
| 2025 | $152,746 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Firmware Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA are Firmware Engineers, with salaries ranging from $154,600 to $177,400. The average salary for this role is approximately $166,300, making it one of the top-paying engineering positions in the country. Other engineering fields, such as Computer and IT Engineering, have lower average salaries.
The salary for a Firmware Engineer at Apple ranges from $154,600 to $177,400, with a mid-point salary of $166,300. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the high demand for skilled engineers in the tech sector.
While many engineering roles can offer competitive salaries, the average salary for a Firmware Engineer ranges from $154,600 to $177,400. Positions like CNO Software Engineer or Lead Engineer may approach or exceed $200k, depending on experience and location. Exploring specialized roles or leadership positions can also enhance earning potential.
The highest paid firmware engineer can expect a maximum salary of $177,400. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $154,600, with a mid-level salary around $166,300. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals in firmware development.
Ericsson Engineer V salaries range from a minimum of $154,600 to a maximum of $177,400, with a mid-salary of $166,300. This reflects the competitive compensation for firmware engineers in the industry, highlighting the value of expertise in this field.
How much does a Firmware Engineer make? As of now, the salary range for a Firmware Engineer in the United States is between $154,600 and $177,400 annually, with a median salary of $166,300. This translates to approximately $74.24 to $85.25 per hour, or about $3,000 to $3,500 per week.
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