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Hardware Design Engineer II Salary in California

How much does a Hardware Design Engineer II make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer II in California is $108,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Hardware Design Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $122,364
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $101,800 to $115,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $95,427

Key Factors That Influence Hardware Design Engineer II Salaries

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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Hardware Design Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Entry Hardware Engineer (0-2 years): $90,930
  • Hardware Design Engineer II (2-4 years): $108,712
  • Hardware Design Engineer III (4-7 years): $126,052
  • Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist (7+ years): $153,091
  • Hardware Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $180,713
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Hardware Engineer0-2 years$90,930
Hardware Design Engineer II2-4 years$108,712
Hardware Design Engineer III4-7 years$126,052
Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist7+ years$153,091
Hardware Design Engineer V7-10 years$180,713

Top Paying Cities for Hardware Design Engineer IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $108,900
  • West Hollywood: $108,900
  • Dodgertown: $108,900

Hardware Design Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hardware Design Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $121,589. While startup companies pay approximate $102,852.

Hardware Design Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $102,852
Growth Stage 51~500 $108,776
Established 501~5000 $117,409
Enterprise 5000+ $121,589

Hardware Design Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hardware Design Engineer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Design Engineer positions in MFG Nondurable or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Design Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Hardware Design Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$130,560$63.020%
Biotechnology$130,560$63.020%
Financial Services$130,560$63.020%
Pharmaceuticals$130,560$63.020%
Software & Networking$130,560$63.020%

Hardware Design Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$101,800
Average $108,800/year
$115,900
$8,483
Average $9,067/month
$9,658
$1,958
Average $2,092/week
$2,229
$49
Average $52/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $115,900 $9,658 $2,229 $56
Average $108,800 $9,067 $2,092 $52
25th Percentile $101,800 $8,483 $1,958 $49

Hardware Design Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

For 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 $126,100 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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