As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Hardware Engineer in the United States is $98,550 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, an Intermediate Hardware Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate Hardware Engineer'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 an Intermediate Hardware Engineer'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 | $82,437 |
| Intermediate Hardware Engineer | 2-4 years | $98,549 |
| Hardware Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,275 |
| Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist | 7+ years | $138,806 |
| Hardware Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,879 |
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 Intermediate Hardware Engineers. 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
|
$114,318 |
16%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$108,405 |
10%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$108,405 |
10%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$106,434 |
8%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$106,434 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$106,434 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Hardware Engineers 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 an Intermediate Hardware Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $92,447 and $96,454).
Intermediate Hardware Engineer 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 an Intermediate Hardware Engineer'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 January 01, 2026For an Intermediate Hardware Engineer, 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 an Intermediate Hardware Engineer 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 Intermediate Hardware Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $96,804 |
| 2024 | $96,341 |
| 2025 | $94,853 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A hardware engineer spends most of their time working on the physical components of computer systems. It is a highly stimulating yet demanding job that requires a strong understanding of technology and an innovative mindset. Salaries for intermediate hardware engineers range from $90,020 to $104,620, with a median salary of $97,110, reflecting the expertise and skills required in this field.
A good salary for an Intermediate Hardware Engineer in the USA ranges from $90,020 to $104,620 annually, with a mid-salary of $97,110. This is competitive compared to the average engineer salary of $101,752, indicating that Intermediate Hardware Engineers are well-compensated within the engineering field.
The highest-paid engineering jobs in the USA include Petroleum Engineers, who focus on oil and gas extraction, and Aerospace Engineers. For Intermediate Hardware Engineers, salaries range from $90,020 to $104,620, with a median of $97,110, reflecting the competitive nature of the field. Other high-paying roles include Nuclear and Chemical Engineers.
An Intermediate Hardware Engineer in the USA typically earns between $90,020 and $104,620 annually, with a median salary of around $97,110. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.
The highest-paid engineering roles in the USA include various specialties, with the Intermediate Hardware Engineer earning a median salary of approximately $97,110. This salary range spans from a minimum of $90,020 to a maximum of $104,620, reflecting the competitive nature of engineering positions in the industry.
Hardware engineers may not primarily focus on coding, but they often need to write and understand code for hardware-software integration, firmware development, and testing. Their role typically involves designing, testing, and troubleshooting hardware components, with salaries ranging from $90,020 to $104,620, depending on experience and expertise.
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