As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Engineer VI in the United States is $195,829 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:
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Hardware Engineer VI Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $204,026 | $17,002 | $3,924 | $98 |
| Average | $195,829 | $16,319 | $3,766 | $94 |
| 25th Percentile | $184,409 | $15,367 | $3,546 | $89 |
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Engineer IV | 7+ years | $138,803 |
| Hardware Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,868 |
| Hardware Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $195,829 |
| Hardware Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $127,827 |
| Hardware Engineering Manager | 12+ years | $163,435 |
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 Hardware Engineer VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $204,026 | $17,002 | $3,924 | $98 |
| Average | $195,829 | $16,319 | $3,766 | $94 |
| 25th Percentile | $184,409 | $15,367 | $3,546 | $89 |
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 $127,827 - a projected growth of -35% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Hardware Engineer VI and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Hardware Engineer VI job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $246,999.
The highest pay for Hardware Engineer VI is $211,489.
The lowest pay for Hardware Engineer VI is $174,012.
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.
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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