As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer II in the United States is $98,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Hardware Design Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Design Engineer II'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware Design Engineer II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Hardware Engineer | 0-2 years | $82,438 |
| Hardware Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $98,554 |
| Hardware Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,278 |
| Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist | 7+ years | $138,801 |
| Hardware Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,859 |
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 Hardware Design Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.57% |
| Circuit Design | 3.89% |
| Hardware Development | 2.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard Working
|
$114,376 |
16%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$108,460 |
10%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$108,460 |
10%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$106,488 |
8%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$106,488 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$106,488 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Design Engineer IIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Hardware Design Engineer II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $92,452 and $96,460).
Hardware Design Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 5.8% |
| Bachelors | 28.3% |
| Masters | 59.2% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how a Hardware Design Engineer II'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 May 01, 2026For a Hardware Design Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $114,300 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware Design Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,804 in 2023 to around $94,853 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Design Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $96,804 |
| 2024 | $96,341 |
| 2025 | $94,853 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest salary for a Hardware Design Engineer is ₹10,47,000 per year (₹87,250 per month). The top paying industries for Hardware Design Engineers in India typically include technology, telecommunications, and automotive sectors, where demand for skilled professionals is high.
As of now, the salary range for a Hardware Design Engineer in the United States is between $90,100 and $104,700 annually, with a mid-salary of $97,200. This translates to approximately $43.29 to $50.34 per hour, or about $1,750 to $2,200 per week.
The best companies for hardware engineers in 2024 include Qualcomm and Intel. For competitive salaries, consider companies like Meta, which offers a median salary of $153,814, and Apple with a median salary of $144,233. However, the average salary range for hardware design engineers is between $90,100 and $104,700, with a mid-salary of $97,200.
The total salary range for a Hardware Design Engineer at Meta is approximately $90,100 to $104,700 per year. The average base salary for this position is around $97,200 annually. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the role.
A Hardware Design Engineer at Apple typically earns between $90,100 and $104,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $97,200. This reflects a competitive compensation range, although it may vary based on experience and specific roles within the company.
Design engineers are essential in the engineering sector and are currently in high demand, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. With salaries ranging from $90,100 to $104,700, they can expect significant earning potential, making this a lucrative field for professionals looking to advance their careers.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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