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RF Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does a RF Engineer II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a RF Engineer II in the United States is $99,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, a RF Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $114,009
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $93,590 to $107,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,218
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence RF Engineer II Salaries

A RF 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects RF Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a RF 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:

  • Radio Frequency Design Engineer I (0-2 years): $89,521
  • RF Engineer II (2-4 years): $99,499
  • RF Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,758
  • RF Engineer IV (7+ years): $143,785
  • RF Engineer V (7-10 years): $177,645
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Radio Frequency Design Engineer I0-2 years$89,521
RF Engineer II2-4 years$99,499
RF Engineer III4-7 years$120,758
RF Engineer IV7+ years$143,785
RF Engineer V7-10 years$177,645
View as Graph

How Do RF Engineer II 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 RF Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $110,190.
  • California: $109,790.
  • Massachusetts: $108,290.

Top Paying Cities for RF Engineer IIs

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: $125,490
  • San Francisco: $124,190
  • Oakland: $121,590

What Skills Can Increase a RF Engineer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 17.98% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 3.07% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 17.98%
Schematic 3.07%
Installation 1.97%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a RF Engineer II's salary.

  • System Design: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Systems Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Debugging: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
System Design $109,439
10%
Systems Engineering $108,444
9%
Debugging $107,449
8%
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RF Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

RF Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $112,038. While startup companies pay approximate $94,817.

RF Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $94,817
Growth Stage 51~500 $100,265
Established 501~5000 $108,202
Enterprise 5000+ $112,038

RF Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For RF Engineer II 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 Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, RF Engineer positions in Software & Networking or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view RF Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a RF Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$129,337$62.030%
Energy & Utilities$124,362$60.025%
Construction$119,388$57.020%
Aerospace & Defense$114,413$55.015%
Business Services$109,439$53.010%

RF Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a RF 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 September 01, 2026
$93,590
Average $99,490/year
$107,090
$7,799
Average $8,291/month
$8,924
$1,800
Average $1,913/week
$2,059
$45
Average $48/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $107,090 $8,924 $2,059 $51
Average $99,490 $8,291 $1,913 $48
25th Percentile $93,590 $7,799 $1,800 $45

RF Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

RF Engineer II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a RF Engineer II, 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 III $126,300 27%
EE III $120,800 21%
Electronics Design Engineer III $120,800 21%
RF Engineer III $120,800 21%

Most common benefits for RF Engineer II

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

Common company salaries for RF Engineer II

Here are companies hiring for RF Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about RF Engineer II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for RF Engineer II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for RF Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for RF engineer?

The highest salary for an RF Engineer is $113,290 per year. Typically, salaries range from a minimum of $97,290 to a mid-level of $104,590. This data reflects the earnings potential in the field, with top professionals earning significantly more.

3. How long does it take to become an RF engineer?

To become an RF Engineer, you typically need a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, which takes about four years to complete. Entry-level positions usually offer a salary starting around $97,290, with mid-career salaries averaging $104,590, and experienced professionals earning up to $113,290.

4. Is Rf Engineer a good career?

Working as an RF Engineer is a lucrative career choice, with salaries ranging from $97,290 to $113,290, and a median salary of $104,590. This role not only offers competitive pay but also opens doors to various opportunities in broadcasting and other industries. A strong foundation in maths, physics, and computer science is beneficial for aspiring engineers.

5. Who is the highest paid RF?

The highest-paid RF Engineer can expect a salary ranging from $97,290 to $113,290, with a mid-level salary of approximately $104,590. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, ensuring skilled professionals are well rewarded for their expertise.

6. How much does a senior Rf Engineer make at Verizon?

The salary for a senior RF Engineer at Verizon typically falls within a range based on industry data. The minimum salary is approximately $97,290, with a mid-range salary of about $104,590, and a maximum salary reaching around $113,290. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

7. What is the salary of RF planning engineer?

The salary of an RF planning engineer varies based on experience and expertise. In the U.S., the minimum salary is approximately $97,290, the mid-range salary is around $104,590, and the maximum salary can reach up to $113,290 annually.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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