As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer IV in the United States is $138,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Hardware Design Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Design Engineer IV'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 IV'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $98,557 |
| Hardware Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,279 |
| Hardware Design Engineer IV | 7+ years | $138,798 |
| Hardware Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,848 |
| Hardware Development Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $195,815 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.46% |
| Circuit Design | 3.83% |
| Hardware Development | 2.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Semiconductors
|
$162,396 |
17%
|
|
Python
|
$159,620 |
15%
|
|
Product Design
|
$158,232 |
14%
|
|
Integrity
|
$154,068 |
11%
|
|
System Design
|
$152,680 |
10%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$152,680 |
10%
|
Hardware Design Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $155,247. While startup companies pay approximate $131,292.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $131,292 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,862 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,920 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $155,247 |
For Hardware Design Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Design Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Design Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $163,784 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Financial Services | $163,784 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $163,784 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Software & Networking | $163,784 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $158,232 | $76.0 | 14% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Design Engineer IVs 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 IV with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $136,320 and $142,749).
Hardware Design Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associates | 2.9% |
| Bachelors | 36.2% |
| Masters | 46.7% |
| Doctorate | 13.3% |
Understanding how a Hardware Design Engineer IV'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 July 01, 2026For a Hardware Design Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $163,900 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware Design Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $134,624 in 2023 to around $132,866 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Design Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $134,624 |
| 2024 | $134,304 |
| 2025 | $132,866 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware Design Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
The salary for a Hardware Design Engineer at Apple typically ranges from $132,130 to $154,880, with a mid-point salary of $143,640. This reflects a competitive compensation structure, aligning with industry standards. The average reported salary of $170,283 suggests that Apple may offer additional benefits or bonuses beyond the base salary range.
The highest salary for a Hardware Design Engineer is approximately $154,880 per year. In comparison, the average starting salary for a Design Engineer in India is around ₹1.8 Lakhs per year, with the potential to earn up to ₹60 Lakhs annually based on experience and expertise.
Engineers typically do not make $300,000 a year. For a Hardware Design Engineer, the salary ranges from a minimum of $132,130 to a mid-level salary of $143,640, with a maximum of $154,880. While competitive, these figures indicate that reaching $300,000 is uncommon in this field.
To become a hardware design engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology. Entry-level positions offer salaries starting around $132,130, with mid-level salaries at approximately $143,640, and experienced engineers earning up to $154,880.
The average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer in the US ranges from $132,130 to $154,880, with a mid-salary of $143,640. Additional cash compensation may vary, but the total compensation typically reflects these base figures.
The salary range for a Hardware Design Engineer at Microsoft is approximately $132,130 to $154,880 per year, based on the provided data. This range reflects the minimum, mid, and maximum salaries for the role, excluding any additional compensation or benefits.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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