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RF Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a RF Engineer V in the United States is $177,663 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $195,105
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $165,443 to $186,793
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,317
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence RF Engineer V Salaries

A RF Engineer V'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 V'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:

  • RF Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,758
  • RF Engineer IV (7+ years): $143,785
  • RF Engineer V (7-10 years): $177,645
  • Radio Frequency Design Engineer VI (10-12 years): $209,580
  • Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager (12+ years): $155,410
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
RF Engineer III4-7 years$120,758
RF Engineer IV7+ years$143,785
RF Engineer V7-10 years$177,645
Radio Frequency Design Engineer VI10-12 years$209,580
Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager12+ years$155,410
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How Do RF Engineer V 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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $196,703.
  • California: $195,963.
  • Massachusetts: $193,353.

Top Paying Cities for RF Engineer Vs

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: $224,083
  • San Francisco: $221,633
  • Oakland: $216,963

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 18.82% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Systems Analysis (Mentioned in 2.35% Job Postings): The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines system analysis as "the process of studying a procedure or business in order to identify its goals and purposes and create systems and procedures that will achieve them in an efficient way". Another view sees system analysis as a problem-solving technique that breaks down a system into its component pieces for the purpose of the studying how well those component parts work and interact to accomplish their purpose. The field of system analysis relates closely to requirements analysis or to operations research. It is also "an explicit formal inquiry carried out to help a decision maker identify a better course of action and make a better decision than she might otherwise have made." The terms analysis and synthesis stem from Greek, meaning "to take apart" and "to put together," respectively. These terms are used in many scientific disciplines, from mathematics and logic to economics and psychology, to denote similar investigative procedures. Analysis is defined as "the procedure by which we break down an intellectual or substantial whole into parts," while synthesis means "the procedure by which we combine separate elements or components in order to form a coherent whole." System analysis researchers apply methodology to the systems involved, forming an overall picture.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.47% 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 18.82%
Systems Analysis 2.35%
Computer Science 1.47%
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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 V's salary.

  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Adaptability: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Systems Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Commitment $186,546
5%
Adaptability $184,770
4%
Systems Analysis $184,770
4%
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RF Engineer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

RF Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $200,071. While startup companies pay approximate $169,318.

RF Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $169,318
Growth Stage 51~500 $179,047
Established 501~5000 $193,221
Enterprise 5000+ $200,071

RF Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a RF Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$230,962$111.030%
Energy & Utilities$222,079$107.025%
Chemicals$213,196$102.020%
Aerospace & Defense$204,312$98.015%
Biotechnology$195,429$94.010%

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

Understanding how a RF Engineer V'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
$165,443
Average $177,663/year
$186,793
$13,787
Average $14,805/month
$15,566
$3,182
Average $3,417/week
$3,592
$80
Average $85/hour
$90
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $186,793 $15,566 $3,592 $90
Average $177,663 $14,805 $3,417 $85
25th Percentile $165,443 $13,787 $3,182 $80

RF Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

RF Engineer V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a RF Engineer V, 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 VI $217,100 22%
EE VI $200,800 13%
Electronic Systems Engineer VI $221,600 25%
Radio Frequency Design Engineer VI $209,600 18%

Most common benefits for RF Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for RF Engineer V

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

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FAQ about RF Engineer V

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

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

2. What is the highest paying engineer?

The highest paying engineer role is that of an RF Engineer, with a salary range reflecting significant earning potential. The minimum salary starts at $173,363, while the mid-level salary is approximately $188,333. For experienced professionals, the maximum salary can reach up to $201,623, making it a lucrative career choice in the engineering field.

3. What is the highest paid electronics engineer?

The highest reported salary for an RF Engineer is $201,623. The top 10% of RF Engineers earn more than $188,333 annually, while the top 1% exceed $173,363. This data highlights the lucrative potential in the RF engineering field, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this area.

4. What degree do you need to be an RF engineer?

To become an RF Engineer, a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering is essential, with a Master's or Ph.D. preferred. RF Engineers design components like amplifiers, filters, and antennas. The salary range for this role typically falls between $173,363 and $201,623, with a median salary of $188,333.

5. How much does an RF engineer make at Apple?

An RF Engineer at Apple can expect a salary range from approximately $173,363 to $201,623, with a median salary around $188,333. This compensation reflects the skills and expertise required for the role in a competitive tech environment.

6. Is an Rf Engineer an electrical engineer?

Yes, an RF Engineer is a specialized branch of electrical engineering. They focus on the design and application of devices that utilize radio signals, covering a frequency range from about 20 kHz to 300 GHz. In terms of compensation, RF Engineers can expect salaries ranging from $173,363 to $201,623, with a median salary of $188,333.

7. Is there a shortage of RF engineers?

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 $173,363 to $201,623, reflecting the critical need for skilled engineers in this field.

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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