As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer V in the United States is $163,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Hardware Design Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Design 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware Design 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Hardware Development Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $195,822 |
| Hardware Design Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $127,818 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.47% |
| Circuit Design | 3.73% |
| Hardware Development | 2.16% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$186,846 |
14%
|
|
Presentation
|
$181,929 |
11%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$178,651 |
9%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$177,012 |
8%
|
|
Commitment
|
$175,373 |
7%
|
|
Ethernet
|
$175,373 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Design Engineer Vs 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 V with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $160,097 and $167,722).
Hardware Design Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.5% |
| High School | 4.5% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 23.4% |
| Masters | 57.7% |
| Doctorate | 11.7% |
Understanding how a Hardware Design 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Hardware Design Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Development Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $195,900 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware Design 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 Hardware Design 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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Among engineering careers, Hardware Design Engineers stand out with a competitive salary range. The minimum salary is $157,500, the mid-salary is $170,800, and the maximum salary reaches $184,700. This positions them favorably compared to other engineering fields, making Hardware Design Engineering one of the highest-paying specialties.
While many engineering jobs can offer competitive salaries, the average salary for a Hardware Design Engineer ranges from $157,500 to $184,700. Positions like Software Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Data Engineer may approach or exceed $200k, especially with experience and specialized skills. Consider roles in high-demand sectors for better compensation.
While software engineering is highly in demand, hardware design engineers also play a crucial role in technology development. In the USA, hardware design engineers can expect salaries ranging from $157,500 to $184,700, with a median salary of $170,800. This reflects the growing need for skilled professionals in both hardware and software engineering fields.
The best companies for hardware engineers in 2024 include Qualcomm and Intel. For top salaries, consider Meta, which offers a median salary of $170,800, or Apple, with a median salary of $157,500. The salary range for hardware design engineers typically spans from $157,500 to $184,700, making these companies competitive in the industry.
The highest salary for a Hardware Design Engineer is $184,700. The minimum salary is $157,500, while the mid-range salary is $170,800. This data reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and expertise.
The highest salary for a Hardware Design Engineer is approximately $184,700 per year. The average starting salary is around $157,500, with a mid-range salary of $170,800. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required to qualify for this role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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