As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware R&D Engineer V in the United States is $163,873 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Hardware R&D Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware R&D 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 R&D 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 R&D 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 R&D 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
|
$186,815 |
14%
|
|
Presentation
|
$181,899 |
11%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$178,622 |
9%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$176,983 |
8%
|
|
Commitment
|
$175,344 |
7%
|
|
Ethernet
|
$175,344 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware R&D 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 R&D Engineer V with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $160,100 and $167,708).
Hardware R&D 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 R&D 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 R&D 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 R&D 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 R&D Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $159,096 |
| 2024 | $157,011 |
| 2025 | $152,746 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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R&D engineers in the USA earn between $157,513 and $184,633 annually, with a median salary of $170,743. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to previous data, indicating a strong demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Among engineering roles, Hardware R&D Engineers are notably well-compensated in the USA, with salaries ranging from $157,513 to $184,633, and a median salary of $170,743. This positions them among the highest-paid engineering jobs, alongside fields like Petroleum and Aerospace Engineering, which also offer lucrative salaries.
The highest salary for a Hardware R&D Engineer is $184,633. The minimum salary starts at $157,513, while the mid-range salary is approximately $170,743. These figures reflect the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the value of expertise and experience in hardware research and development.
How much does a hardware engineer make? The salary range for a Hardware R&D Engineer in the US is $157,513 to $184,633, with a mid-salary of $170,743. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the demand for skilled professionals in the field.
A career as an R&D engineer is highly appealing, especially with the growing demand from new-age companies. The salary range for this role is competitive, with a minimum of $157,513, a mid-range of $170,743, and a maximum of $184,633. This imbalance in demand and supply makes it a promising career choice for those interested in innovation and technology.
The highest salary that a Hardware R&D Engineer can earn is ₹1,84,633 per year (approximately ₹15,386 per month).
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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