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Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salary in the United States

How much does a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor in the United States is $127,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.

However, a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $134,668
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $117,390 to $131,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $107,921
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salaries

A Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor'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 V (7-10 years): $163,838
  • Hardware Development Engineer VI (10-12 years): $195,808
  • Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $127,800
  • Hardware Design Engineering Manager (12+ years): $163,450
  • Hardware Design Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $192,449
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Hardware Design Engineer V7-10 years$163,838
Hardware Development Engineer VI10-12 years$195,808
Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor12+ years$127,800
Hardware Design Engineering Manager12+ years$163,450
Hardware Design Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$192,449
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How Do Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Engineering Supervisors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $141,590.
  • California: $140,990.
  • Massachusetts: $139,090.

Top Paying Cities for Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisors

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: $161,190
  • San Francisco: $159,490
  • Oakland: $156,090

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,811. While startup companies pay approximate $120,803.

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $120,803
Growth Stage 51~500 $127,762
Established 501~5000 $137,902
Enterprise 5000+ $142,811

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$153,348$74.020%
Energy & Utilities$140,569$68.010%

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor'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 September 01, 2026
$117,390
Average $127,790/year
$131,390
$9,783
Average $10,649/month
$10,949
$2,258
Average $2,458/week
$2,527
$56
Average $61/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $131,390 $10,949 $2,527 $63
Average $127,790 $10,649 $2,458 $61
25th Percentile $117,390 $9,783 $2,258 $56

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor Salary Growth & Career Path

Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor

Next Role

Advancement

For a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $163,500 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor

Here are companies hiring for Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do hardware engineers make good money?

Yes, hardware engineers can earn a competitive salary. For a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor, the salary ranges from a minimum of $133,690 to a maximum of $153,890, with a midpoint of $143,090. This indicates that experienced professionals in this field can achieve substantial earnings, especially compared to average salaries for those with bachelor's or master's degrees.

3. How much does a technology sales supervisor earn?

The average salary for a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor is approximately $143,090 per year, with a range from $133,690 to $153,890. This reflects a competitive compensation compared to other roles in the technology sector.

4. What is the head of R&D called?

The head of R&D is typically referred to as the Chief Research Officer (CRO), Research Officer, or Research Director. This senior executive oversees research initiatives that align with the organization's goals and usually reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. In terms of compensation, salaries for roles in this field range from $133,690 to $153,890, with a midpoint of $143,090.

5. Does R&D pay well?

R&D salaries can vary significantly based on the role and experience. For a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor, the salary ranges from a minimum of $133,690 to a maximum of $153,890, with a midpoint of $143,090. This indicates that R&D positions, especially at the supervisory level, offer competitive compensation compared to typical engineering roles.

6. What are the 5 roles of a research supervisor?

The research supervisor plays a crucial role in guiding the research process. They provide direction on research standards, assist in selecting research programs and topics, plan the timeline for research stages, recommend literature and sources, and advise on research methods and techniques. The salary for this position ranges from $133,690 to $153,890, with a midpoint of $143,090.

7. How much does the head of R&D make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Hardware R&D Engineering Supervisor in the United States ranges from $133,690 to $153,890, with a median salary of $143,090. This reflects the competitive compensation for leadership roles in research and development within the hardware sector.

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.)

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