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Hardware Engineer VI Salary in the United States

How much does a Hardware Engineer VI make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Engineer VI in the United States is $195,812 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $211,394
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $184,344 to $203,968
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $173,903
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hardware Engineer VI Salaries

A Hardware 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 Hardware Engineer VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware 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:

  • Hardware Engineer IV (7+ years): $138,797
  • Hardware Engineer V (7-10 years): $163,843
  • Hardware Engineer VI (10-12 years): $195,812
  • Hardware Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $127,804
  • Hardware Engineering Manager (12+ years): $163,447
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Hardware Engineer IV7+ years$138,797
Hardware Engineer V7-10 years$163,843
Hardware Engineer VI10-12 years$195,812
Hardware Engineering Supervisor12+ years$127,804
Hardware Engineering Manager12+ years$163,447
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How Do Hardware Engineer VIs 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 Hardware Engineer VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $216,803.
  • California: $215,981.
  • Massachusetts: $213,102.

Top Paying Cities for Hardware Engineer VI

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: $246,978
  • San Francisco: $244,274
  • Oakland: $239,126

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

Hardware Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,200. While startup companies pay approximate $185,438.

Hardware Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $185,438
Growth Stage 51~500 $196,123
Established 501~5000 $211,677
Enterprise 5000+ $219,200

Hardware Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hardware 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 Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Hardware Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$234,974$113.020%
Energy & Utilities$234,974$113.020%
Pharmaceuticals$234,974$113.020%
Financial Services$225,184$108.015%
Software & Networking$225,184$108.015%

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

Understanding how a Hardware 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 August 01, 2026
$184,344
Average $195,812/year
$203,968
$15,362
Average $16,318/month
$16,997
$3,545
Average $3,766/week
$3,922
$89
Average $94/hour
$98
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $203,968 $16,997 $3,922 $98
Average $195,812 $16,318 $3,766 $94
25th Percentile $184,344 $15,362 $3,545 $89

Hardware Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Hardware Engineer VI

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Advancement

For a Hardware Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $127,804 - a projected growth of -35% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Hardware Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for Hardware Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about Hardware Engineer VI

1. Where can a Hardware Engineer VI earn the most?

A Hardware Engineer VI'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, a Hardware Engineer VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Hardware Engineer VI is $246,978.

2. What is the highest pay for Hardware Engineer VI?

The highest pay for Hardware Engineer VI is $211,394.

3. What is the lowest pay for Hardware Engineer VI?

The lowest pay for Hardware Engineer VI is $173,903.

4. What are the responsibilities of Hardware Engineer VI?

Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Hardware Engineer VI?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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