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Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Radio Frequency Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Radio Frequency Engineer I in the United States is $89,521 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $108,050
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $81,102 to $99,220
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,437

Key Factors That Influence Radio Frequency Engineer I Salaries

A Radio Frequency 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Radio Frequency Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Radio Frequency 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:

  • Radio Frequency Engineer I (0-2 years): $89,521
  • Radio Frequency Engineer II (2-4 years): $99,499
  • Radio Frequency Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,758
  • Radio Frequency Engineer IV (7+ years): $143,785
  • Radio Frequency Engineer V (7-10 years): $177,645
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Radio Frequency Engineer I0-2 years$89,521
Radio Frequency Engineer II2-4 years$99,499
Radio Frequency Engineer III4-7 years$120,758
Radio Frequency Engineer IV7+ years$143,785
Radio Frequency Engineer V7-10 years$177,645

Top Paying Cities for Radio Frequency Engineer Is

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: $112,913
  • San Francisco: $111,677
  • Oakland: $109,323

Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Radio Frequency Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $100,812. While startup companies pay approximate $85,316.

Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $85,316
Growth Stage 51~500 $90,219
Established 501~5000 $97,360
Enterprise 5000+ $100,812

Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Radio Frequency Engineer I 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 Aerospace & Defense and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Radio Frequency Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Radio Frequency Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Radio Frequency Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$116,377$56.030%
Pharmaceuticals$111,901$54.025%
Business Services$107,425$52.020%
Construction$102,949$49.015%
Energy & Utilities$98,473$47.010%

Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Radio Frequency 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 September 01, 2026
$81,102
Average $89,521/year
$99,220
$6,759
Average $7,460/month
$8,268
$1,560
Average $1,722/week
$1,908
$39
Average $43/hour
$48
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $99,220 $8,268 $1,908 $48
Average $89,521 $7,460 $1,722 $43
25th Percentile $81,102 $6,759 $1,560 $39

Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Radio Frequency 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.

Radio Frequency Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Signal & Image Processing Engineer II $99,498 11%
Electrical Engineer II $99,277 11%
Electronics Engineer II $99,499 11%
Radio Frequency Engineer II $99,499 11%

Most common benefits for Radio Frequency Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Radio Frequency Engineer I

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

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FAQ about Radio Frequency Engineer I

1. Where can a Radio Frequency Engineer I earn the most?

A Radio Frequency 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, a Radio Frequency Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Radio Frequency Engineer I is $112,913.

2. What is the highest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer I?

The highest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer I is $108,050.

3. What is the lowest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer I?

The lowest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer I is $73,437.

4. What are the responsibilities of Radio Frequency Engineer I?

Designs, develops, and optimizes radio frequency (RF) systems used in wireless communications, radar, and other electronic applications. Performs system-level and component-level analysis, including simulation, testing, and tuning of antennas, amplifiers, filters, and circuits. Evaluates and troubleshoots RF performance issues such as interference, signal integrity, and power efficiency to ensure optimal operation and compliance with regulatory standards. Prepares technical documentation, including design specifications, testing reports, and component evaluations. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate RF components into larger systems and support product development from concept through production. Requires a bachelor's degree. 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 Radio Frequency Engineer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Radio Frequency Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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