As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Development Engineer V in the United States is $163,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Hardware Development Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Development 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 Development 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 Development 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 Development 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
|
$186,835 |
14%
|
|
Presentation
|
$181,918 |
11%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$178,640 |
9%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$177,001 |
8%
|
|
Commitment
|
$175,362 |
7%
|
|
Ethernet
|
$175,362 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Development 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 Development Engineer V with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $160,087 and $167,712).
Hardware Development 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 Development 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 Development 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 Development 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 Development 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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While many engineering jobs offer competitive salaries, positions like Hardware Development Engineer typically range from $157,490 to $184,690. For roles paying $200k or more, consider specialized fields or senior positions such as CNO Software Engineer or Lead Engineer, which may exceed this range based on experience and location.
A good salary for a Hardware Development Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $157,490 to $184,690 annually, with a mid-salary of around $170,790. This range reflects the competitive nature of the field, ensuring that skilled engineers are compensated fairly for their expertise and contributions.
The estimated total pay for a Hardware Development Engineer in the USA ranges from $157,490 to $184,690 per year, with a mid-salary of $170,790. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.
The estimated total pay for a Hardware Development Engineer in the USA ranges from $157,490 to $184,690 per year, with a mid-salary of $170,790. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and provide a comprehensive view of potential earnings in this field.
The salary for a Hardware Development Engineer in the USA ranges from $157,490 to $184,690 annually, with a mid-point salary of $170,790. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $75.73 to $88.73, or about $3,124 to $3,873 per week.
The highest paying job in the field of Hardware Development Engineering offers a maximum salary of $184,690. The minimum salary starts at $157,490, with a mid-range salary of $170,790. This indicates a competitive salary structure, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this profession.
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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