As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware R&D Engineer II in the United States is $98,573 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Hardware R&D Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware R&D Engineer II'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 R&D Engineer II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Hardware Engineer | 0-2 years | $82,438 |
| Hardware R&D Engineer II | 2-4 years | $98,554 |
| 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 |
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 R&D Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.57% |
| Circuit Design | 3.89% |
| Hardware Development | 2.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard Working
|
$114,345 |
16%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$108,430 |
10%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$108,430 |
10%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$106,459 |
8%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$106,459 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$106,459 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware R&D Engineer IIs 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 R&D Engineer II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $92,460 and $96,467).
Hardware R&D Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 5.8% |
| Bachelors | 28.3% |
| Masters | 59.2% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how a Hardware R&D Engineer II'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 R&D Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $114,300 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware R&D Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,804 in 2023 to around $94,853 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware R&D Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $96,804 |
| 2024 | $96,341 |
| 2025 | $94,853 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest salary for a Hardware R&D Engineer is approximately $104,633 per year. The average starting salary is around $90,033, with a mid-range salary of about $97,123. This role typically does not require prior experience, making it accessible for new graduates.
A Hardware R&D Engineer at Microsoft typically earns between $90,033 and $104,633, with a mid-salary of $97,123. This range reflects the competitive compensation for the role, aligning with industry standards for hardware engineering positions.
R&D engineers in the USA typically earn between $90,033 and $104,633 annually, with a median salary of $97,123. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in hardware research and development.
Yes, hardware engineers are in high demand, with salaries reflecting this trend. The minimum salary for a Hardware R&D Engineer is $90,033, while the mid-range salary is $97,123, and the maximum can reach $104,633. This competitive compensation highlights the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.
The estimated total pay for a Hardware R&D Engineer in the USA ranges from $90,033 to $104,633 per year, with a mid-salary of $97,123. These figures reflect the typical salary range for this role, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in the field.
Yes, hardware engineers can earn a competitive salary. Based on current data, the salary range for a Hardware R&D Engineer is between $90,033 and $104,633, with a mid-salary of $97,123. This reflects a solid earning potential in the field, making it a lucrative career choice.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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