As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer III in the United States is $114,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Hardware Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Design 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware Design 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.53% |
| Python | 2.84% |
| Debugging | 1.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$121,158 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$120,015 |
5%
|
|
Integrity
|
$120,015 |
5%
|
|
Product Design
|
$120,015 |
5%
|
|
Networking
|
$120,015 |
5%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$118,872 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Design Engineer IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $111,167 and $116,309).
Hardware Design Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.8% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 1.9% |
| Bachelors | 28.0% |
| Masters | 57.9% |
| Doctorate | 9.3% |
Understanding how a Hardware Design 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 May 01, 2026For a Hardware Design Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $138,900 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware Design 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 Hardware Design 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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