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Electronics Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Electronics Engineer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electronics Engineer I in the United States is $82,086 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $96,647
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,439 to $89,708
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,477

Key Factors That Influence Electronics Engineer I Salaries

An Electronics Engineer I'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Electronics Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Electronics Engineer I'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:

  • Electronics Engineer I (0-2 years): $82,086
  • Electronics Engineer II (2-4 years): $99,500
  • Electronics Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,758
  • Electronics Engineer IV (7+ years): $143,786
  • Electronics Engineer V (7-10 years): $169,238
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Electronics Engineer I0-2 years$82,086
Electronics Engineer II2-4 years$99,500
Electronics Engineer III4-7 years$120,758
Electronics Engineer IV7+ years$143,786
Electronics Engineer V7-10 years$169,238

Top Paying Cities for Electronics Engineer I

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: $103,535
  • San Francisco: $102,401
  • Oakland: $100,243

What Skills Can Increase an Electronics Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 14.14% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 4.48% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
  • Electrical Engineering (Mentioned in 1.99% Job Postings): Electrical engineering is a technical discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identified activity in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use. Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of fields including, computer engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, and electronics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science. See glossary of electrical and electronics engineering.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 14.14%
Calibration 4.48%
Electrical Engineering 1.99%

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 an Electronics Engineer I's salary.

  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Electronic Components: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Flexibility $98,503
20%
Verbal Communication $97,682
19%
Electronic Components $96,861
18%

Electronics Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Electronics Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,891. While startup companies pay approximate $77,737.

Electronics Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $77,737
Growth Stage 51~500 $82,216
Established 501~5000 $88,737
Enterprise 5000+ $91,891

Electronics Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Electronics Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Electronics Engineer positions in Media or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Electronics Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Electronics Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$90,295$43.010%
Pharmaceuticals$90,295$43.010%
Software & Networking$90,295$43.010%
Aerospace & Defense$86,190$41.05%
Energy & Utilities$86,190$41.05%

How Education impacts an Electronics Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electronics Engineer I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Electronics Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $80,151 and $84,636.

Electronics Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Electronics Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.4%
High School 3.6%
Associates 7.9%
Bachelors 63.6%
Masters 20.7%
Doctorate 2.9%

Electronics Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Electronics Engineer I'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 August 01, 2026
$74,439
Average $82,086/year
$89,708
$6,203
Average $6,841/month
$7,476
$1,432
Average $1,579/week
$1,725
$36
Average $39/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,708 $7,476 $1,725 $43
Average $82,086 $6,841 $1,579 $39
25th Percentile $74,439 $6,203 $1,432 $36

Electronics Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electronics Engineer I, 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.

Electronics Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Signal & Image Processing Engineer II $99,499 21%
Electrical Engineer II $99,279 21%
Electronics Engineer II $99,500 21%
Radio Frequency Engineer II $99,500 21%

Most common benefits for Electronics Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Electronics Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Electronics Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Electronics Engineer I

1. Where can an Electronics Engineer I earn the most?

An Electronics Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Electronics Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Electronics Engineer I is $103,535.

2. What is the highest pay for Electronics Engineer I?

The highest pay for Electronics Engineer I is $96,647.

3. What is the lowest pay for Electronics Engineer I?

The lowest pay for Electronics Engineer I is $67,477.

4. What are the responsibilities of Electronics Engineer I?

Designs, develops, and tests electronic systems, components, or circuits for use within products, equipment, and machinery. Performs circuit design, signal processing, and hardware integration for devices such as sensors, control systems, and communication equipment. Analyzes project requirements and applies engineering principles to develop solutions that enhance reliability and efficiency. Ensures adherence to product specifications and performance requirements. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and support product lifecycle improvements. May use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform assignments. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Electronics Engineer I?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Electronics Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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