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RF Engineer VI Salary in the United States

How much does an RF Engineer VI make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an RF Engineer VI in the United States is $209,580 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $101.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $234,702
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $196,880 to $222,730
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $185,317
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence RF Engineer VI Salaries

An RF Engineer VI'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 an RF Engineer VI'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 IV (7+ years): $143,785
  • RF Engineer V (7-10 years): $177,645
  • RF Engineer VI (10-12 years): $209,580
  • Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager (12+ years): $155,410
  • Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager, Sr. (12+ years): $173,065
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
RF Engineer IV7+ years$143,785
RF Engineer V7-10 years$177,645
RF Engineer VI10-12 years$209,580
Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager12+ years$155,410
Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager, Sr.12+ years$173,065
View as Graph

How Do RF Engineer VI 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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $232,050.
  • California: $231,170.
  • Massachusetts: $228,090.

Top Paying Cities for RF Engineer VIs

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: $264,350
  • San Francisco: $261,450
  • Oakland: $255,940

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

RF Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $236,013. While startup companies pay approximate $199,736.

RF Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $199,736
Growth Stage 51~500 $211,213
Established 501~5000 $227,933
Enterprise 5000+ $236,013

RF Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For RF Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 21% above the average. In contrast, RF Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view RF Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an RF Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$253,592$122.021%
Energy & Utilities$247,304$119.018%
Construction$241,017$116.015%
Aerospace & Defense$234,730$113.012%
MFG Nondurable$228,442$110.09%

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

Understanding how an RF Engineer VI'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
$196,880
Average $209,580/year
$222,730
$16,407
Average $17,465/month
$18,561
$3,786
Average $4,030/week
$4,283
$95
Average $101/hour
$107
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $222,730 $18,561 $4,283 $107
Average $209,580 $17,465 $4,030 $101
25th Percentile $196,880 $16,407 $3,786 $95

RF Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

RF Engineer VI

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an RF Engineer VI, 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
Electrical Engineering Team Leader I $98,500 -53%
Electronic Systems Engineering Manager $138,500 -34%
Radio Frequency Design Engineering Manager $155,500 -26%

Most common benefits for RF Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for RF Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about RF Engineer VI

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for RF Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 21% above the market median.

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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