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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a RF Engineer III in the United States is $120,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,758
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $112,800 to $130,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,516

Key Factors That Influence RF Engineer III Salaries

A RF Engineer III'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 III'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

Top Paying Cities for RF Engineer IIIs

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: $152,400
  • San Francisco: $150,700
  • Oakland: $147,500

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 20.21% 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 2.33% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.3% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 20.21%
Schematic 2.33%
Computer Science 1.3%

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 III's salary.

  • Hardware Design: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Security Clearance: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Systems Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Hardware Design $138,920
15%
Security Clearance $138,920
15%
Systems Engineering $138,920
15%

RF Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

RF Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $136,036. While startup companies pay approximate $115,126.

RF Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $115,126
Growth Stage 51~500 $121,741
Established 501~5000 $131,379
Enterprise 5000+ $136,036

RF Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For RF Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, RF Engineer positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view RF Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a RF Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$169,120$81.040%
Pharmaceuticals$157,040$76.030%
Energy & Utilities$144,960$70.020%
Internet$138,920$67.015%
Biotechnology$132,880$64.010%

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

Understanding how a RF Engineer III'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
$112,800
Average $120,800/year
$130,200
$9,400
Average $10,067/month
$10,850
$2,169
Average $2,323/week
$2,504
$54
Average $58/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $130,200 $10,850 $2,504 $63
Average $120,800 $10,067 $2,323 $58
25th Percentile $112,800 $9,400 $2,169 $54

RF Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a RF Engineer III, 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.

RF Engineer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Digital Signal Processing Engineer IV $147,100 22%
EE IV $143,800 19%
Electronics Design Engineer IV $143,800 19%
RF Engineer IV $143,800 19%

Most common benefits for RF Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for RF Engineer III

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

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FAQ about RF Engineer III

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for RF Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Engineers typically earning around $200,000 a year often hold senior or specialized positions. For example, roles like Senior Mixed Signal Design Engineer or AI Software Engineer can command high salaries. However, RF Engineers generally earn between $120,500 and $136,200, with a mid-salary of $128,300, indicating that $200,000 is above the typical range for this field.

3. Is 40 of billionaires are engineers?

Did you know that 40% of the world's billionaires are engineers? Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping our world and its development, serving as stewards who provide direction for nations. In fields like RF engineering, salaries range from $120,500 to $136,200, reflecting the high demand for their expertise. We are currently in the most opportune period in history, largely due to their contributions.

4. How much does a director of RF engineering make?

A director of RF engineering typically earns between $120,500 and $136,200, with a mid-salary of $128,300. This role requires significant experience in engineering leadership, including hiring and managing team performance.

5. How much does a network engineer II make?

A Network Engineer II typically earns between $120,500 and $136,200 annually, with a mid-salary of around $128,300. This range reflects competitive compensation in the field, offering a solid financial foundation for professionals in this role.

6. Is Rf Engineer a good job?

RF Engineering is a promising career choice, offering competitive salaries that reflect the high demand for skilled professionals. With a minimum salary of $120,500, a mid-range salary of $128,300, and a maximum salary of $136,200, RF Engineers are well-compensated for their expertise. This makes it an attractive option for those in the engineering field.

7. Can you make 500k as an engineer?

Yes, but not all RF engineers will reach that level of compensation. Based on current salary data, RF engineers typically earn between $120,500 and $136,200, with a mid-salary of $128,300. To achieve higher earnings, one might consider joining a high-growth company early on, where equity can significantly boost overall compensation if the company succeeds.

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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