As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a RF Engineer IV in the United States is $143,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a RF Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A RF Engineer IV'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 IV'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 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 |
| Radio Frequency Design Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $182,361 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.81% |
| Test Plans | 2.62% |
| SQL | 1.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Wireless Network
|
$162,494 |
13%
|
|
Networking
|
$159,618 |
11%
|
|
MATLAB
|
$158,180 |
10%
|
|
Creativity
|
$158,180 |
10%
|
|
Hardware Design
|
$156,742 |
9%
|
|
Schematic
|
$156,742 |
9%
|
Understanding how a RF Engineer IV'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 IV, 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 V | $191,000 | 33% |
| EE V | $166,900 | 16% |
| Electronics Design Engineer V | $169,300 | 18% |
| RF Engineer V | $177,633 | 24% |
Salaries for a RF Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,515 in 2023 to around $144,555 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of RF Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $150,515 |
| 2024 | $147,113 |
| 2025 | $144,555 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for RF Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The highest-paying engineering role is that of an RF Engineer, with a salary range from $148,500 to $171,600. The median salary for RF Engineers is approximately $160,700, surpassing many other engineering disciplines, making it a lucrative career choice in the engineering field.
As of January 22, 2025, the average annual pay for an L4 RF Engineer in the United States ranges from $148,500 to $171,600, with a mid-salary of $160,700. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled professionals in the RF engineering field.
The salary for an RF Engineer at Qualcomm ranges from ₹ 11,00,000 to ₹ 14,00,000, with a midpoint of approximately ₹ 13,00,000. This reflects a competitive compensation package, significantly above the national average, based on data collected from various sources over the past 36 months.
Yes, there is a shortage of RF Engineers. The U.S. is expected to need 5,100 broadcast engineers in the next decade, driven by the retirement of 6,200 professionals. This gap highlights the demand for RF expertise, with salaries ranging from $148,500 to $171,600, reflecting the critical need for skilled engineers in this field.
The highest salary for an RF Engineer is ₹17.16 lakhs per year, with a minimum salary of ₹14.85 lakhs and a mid-range salary of ₹16.07 lakhs. This data reflects the earnings of RF Engineers, indicating that the top earners in this field can achieve significant compensation.
The highest-paid RF Engineer can expect a salary ranging from $148,500 to $171,600, with a mid-salary of $160,700. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the value of expertise and experience in RF engineering.
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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