As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Development Engineer I in the United States is $82,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Hardware Development Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Development Engineer I'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 Development Engineer I'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 Development Engineer I | 0-2 years | $82,439 |
| Hardware Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $98,558 |
| Hardware Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,280 |
| Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist | 7+ years | $138,797 |
| Hardware Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,843 |
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 Development Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.61% |
| Hardware Design | 2.88% |
| Circuit Design | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$96,513 |
17%
|
|
Team Development
|
$92,389 |
12%
|
|
Leadership
|
$91,564 |
11%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$91,564 |
11%
|
|
Networking
|
$90,739 |
10%
|
|
Hardware Development
|
$90,739 |
10%
|
Hardware Development Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $92,343. While startup companies pay approximate $78,120.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $78,120 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $82,621 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $89,173 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $92,343 |
For Hardware Development Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Development Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Development Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $98,988 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $97,338 | $47.0 | 18% |
| Business Services | $90,739 | $44.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $90,739 | $44.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $90,739 | $44.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Development Engineer Is 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 Development Engineer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $74,594 and $77,854).
Hardware Development Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.1% |
| High School | 4.1% |
| Associates | 8.1% |
| Bachelors | 55.8% |
| Masters | 27.4% |
| Doctorate | 4.1% |
Understanding how a Hardware Development Engineer I'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 August 01, 2026For a Hardware Development Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,600 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware Development Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,391 in 2023 to around $77,771 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Development Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $79,391 |
| 2024 | $78,725 |
| 2025 | $77,771 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware Development Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
To be a successful computer hardware engineer, essential skills include strong analytical abilities to evaluate digital circuits, critical-thinking skills for effective design solutions, problem-solving skills to address technical challenges, and communication skills to collaborate with team members. The salary range for this role typically falls between $73,990 and $84,990, with a mid-salary of $79,590.
While CEO positions are often considered the highest paying jobs globally, specialized roles like Hardware Development Engineer also offer competitive salaries. The salary range for this position typically spans from $73,990 to $84,990, with a mid-salary of $79,590. These engineers play a crucial role in designing and developing hardware systems, making their expertise highly valuable.
A good salary for a Hardware Development Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $73,990 to $84,990 annually, with a mid-salary of around $79,590. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, providing a competitive compensation for skilled engineers.
Among engineering roles, Hardware Development Engineers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $73,990, a mid-range of $79,590, and a maximum of $84,990. While various engineering fields offer high pay, Hardware Development Engineers are well-compensated, reflecting the demand for their expertise in technology and innovation.
While various engineering fields offer lucrative salaries, Hardware Development Engineers have a salary range of $73,990 to $84,990, with a mid-salary of $79,590. Although this is competitive, it is lower than some of the highest-paying engineering careers like Petroleum and Aerospace Engineers, who earn significantly more.
The highest salary for a Hardware Development Engineer ranges from $73,990 to $84,990, with a mid-salary of $79,590. This reflects the competitive pay structure in the industry, ensuring that skilled professionals are adequately compensated for their expertise and contributions.
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