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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an RF Engineer I in California is $98,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, an RF Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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RF Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $109,740 | $9,145 | $2,110 | $53 |
| Average | $98,750 | $8,229 | $1,899 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,390 | $7,616 | $1,758 | $44 |
Impulse Space - Redondo Beach, CA
Array Labs - Redwood City, CA
E-Space - Saratoga, CA
K2 Space - Los Angeles, CA
An RF Engineer I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an RF Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| RF Engineer I | 0-2 years | $98,743 |
| RF Engineer II | 2-4 years | $109,749 |
| RF Engineer III | 4-7 years | $133,196 |
| RF Engineer IV | 7+ years | $158,596 |
| RF Engineer V | 7-10 years | $195,937 |
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 RF Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
RF Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,429. While startup companies pay approximate $94,304.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,304 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $99,728 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,618 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,429 |
For RF Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, RF Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view RF Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $128,375 | $62.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $123,438 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $118,500 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $113,562 | $55.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $108,625 | $52.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an RF Engineer I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $109,740 | $9,145 | $2,110 | $53 |
| Average | $98,750 | $8,229 | $1,899 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,390 | $7,616 | $1,758 | $44 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an RF Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer II | $109,800 | 11% |
| EE II | $109,600 | 11% |
| Electronics Design Engineer II | $109,800 | 11% |
| RF Engineer II | $109,790 | 11% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current RF Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Energous Corporation
San Jose, CA
Energous Corporation | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking an experienced. RF Systems Engineer. to lead the architecture, development, validation, and optimization o... more
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Emerson
Santa Rosa, CA
Emerson | Santa Rosa, CA
hackajob is collaborating with Emerson to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. Description Test and Measurement Systems, also known a... more
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Elve Inc
San Francisco, CA
Elve Inc | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Who is Elve. Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the landscape of wireless connecti... more
8 Days Ago
Waypoint Sierra Consultants
El Segundo, CA
Waypoint Sierra Consultants | El Segundo, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Waypoint Sierra Consultants is seeking a senior Space System RF Engineer to provide technical leadership and lifecycle ov... more
8 Days Ago
Tarana Wireless, Inc.
Milpitas, CA
Tarana Wireless, Inc. | Milpitas, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Join the Team That's Redefining Wireless Technology. At Tarana, we're more than just a fast-growing tech company—we’re a ... more
9 Days Ago
Z-Communications, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Z-Communications, Inc. | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Looking for an RF engineer or experienced RF technician to provide analysis and improvement of production designs and wil... more
9 Days Ago
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