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Hardware Development Engineer IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Hardware Development Engineer IV make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Development Engineer IV in the United States is $138,823 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $152,444
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $130,223 to $145,953
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,393
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View as table View as graph 25% $130,223 10% $122,393 90% $152,444 75% $145,953 $138,823 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Hardware Development Engineer IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $145,953 $12,163 $2,807 $70
Average $138,823 $11,569 $2,670 $67
25th Percentile $130,223 $10,852 $2,504 $63
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Key Factors That Influence Hardware Development Engineer IV Salaries

A Hardware Development 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.

How Experience Level Affects Hardware Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware Development 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:

  • Hardware Design Engineer II (2-4 years): $98,552
  • Hardware Design Engineer III (4-7 years): $114,277
  • Hardware Development Engineer IV (7+ years): $138,803
  • Hardware Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $163,868
  • Hardware Development Engineer VI (10-12 years): $195,829
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Hardware Design Engineer II2-4 years$98,552
Hardware Design Engineer III4-7 years$114,277
Hardware Development Engineer IV7+ years$138,803
Hardware Design Engineer V7-10 years$163,868
Hardware Development Engineer VI10-12 years$195,829
$98,552 Hardware ...
$114,277 Hardware ...
$138,803 Hardware ...
$163,868 Hardware ...
$195,829 Hardware ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Hardware Development Engineer IVs

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:

  • San Jose: $175,093
  • San Francisco: $173,373
  • Oakland: $169,523

What Skills Can Increase a Hardware Development Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.46% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Circuit Design (Mentioned in 3.83% Job Postings): The process of circuit design can cover systems ranging from complex electronic systems all the way down to the individual transistors within an integrated circuit. For simple circuits the design process can often be done by one person without needing a planned or structured design process, but for more complex designs, teams of designers following a systematic approach with intelligently guided computer simulation are becoming increasingly common. In integrated circuit design automation, the term "circuit design" often refers to the step of the design cycle which outputs the schematics of the integrated circuit. Typically this is the step between logic design and physical design.
  • Hardware Development (Mentioned in 2.22% Job Postings): Hardware development is a complex effort that includes the creation and optimization of electronics and mechanical system elements that perform various computational processes.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.46%
Circuit Design 3.83%
Hardware Development 2.22%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Hardware Development Engineer IV's salary.
  • Semiconductors: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Product Design: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Semiconductors
$162,423
17%
Python
$159,646
15%
Product Design
$158,258
14%
Integrity
$154,094
11%
System Design
$152,705
10%
PCB Design
$152,705
10%
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How Education impacts a Hardware Development Engineer IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Development 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 Development Engineer IV with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $136,333 and $142,762).

Hardware Development Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Hardware Development Engineer IV
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%
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Hardware Development Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Hardware Development 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 March 01, 2026

Hardware Development Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Hardware Development 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.

Salary Trends for Hardware Development Engineer IV

Salaries for a Hardware Development 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 Development Engineer IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Hardware Development Engineer IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$134,624
2024
$134,304
2025
$132,866
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $134,624
2024 $134,304
2025 $132,866
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Hardware Development Engineer IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Hardware Development Engineer IV

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FAQ about Hardware Development Engineer IV

1. Which developer has highest salary in US?

Hardware Development Engineers in the US have a salary range of approximately $132,143 to $154,893, with a mid-salary of $143,653. This role is crucial in designing and developing hardware components, and the demand for skilled engineers in this field continues to grow as technology advances.

2. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

The highest-paid engineers in the USA include Hardware Development Engineers, with salaries ranging from $132,143 to $154,893. The average salary for this role is approximately $143,653. Other top-paying engineering fields include Computer Engineering at $140,830 and IT Engineering at $132,930.

3. Which engineering has the highest salary?

The Hardware Development Engineer position offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $132,143, a mid-range salary of $143,653, and a maximum salary of $154,893. This suggests that hardware engineering roles are among the higher-paying engineering positions, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.

4. What is the highest salary for a hardware engineer?

The highest salary for a Hardware Development Engineer is $154,893. The minimum salary starts at $132,143, while the mid-range salary is approximately $143,653. This salary range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.

5. Are hardware engineers in high demand?

Yes, hardware engineers are in high demand, with competitive salaries reflecting this trend. The minimum salary is $132,143, the mid-range salary is $143,653, and the maximum salary can reach $154,893. This strong demand is expected to continue, making it a promising career choice.

6. Do hardware engineers make good money?

Yes, hardware engineers can earn a competitive salary. The minimum salary for a Hardware Development Engineer is approximately $132,143, while the mid-range salary is around $143,653. For those with more experience or specialized skills, the maximum salary can reach up to $154,893, making it a lucrative career choice.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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