As of April 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Radio Frequency Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $89,506 |
| RF Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,504 |
| RF Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,760 |
| RF Engineer IV | 7+ years | $143,788 |
| RF Engineer V | 7-10 years | $177,620 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 20.21% |
| Schematic | 2.33% |
| Computer Science | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hardware Design
|
$138,920 |
15%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$138,920 |
15%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$138,920 |
15%
|
|
MATLAB
|
$138,920 |
15%
|
|
Telemetry
|
$137,712 |
14%
|
|
Consulting
|
$137,712 |
14%
|
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 April 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a RF Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $132,695 in 2023 to around $125,877 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of RF Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $132,695 |
| 2024 | $129,618 |
| 2025 | $125,877 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for RF Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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