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Radio Frequency Engineer II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Radio Frequency Engineer II in the United States is $99,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $113,849
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $93,501 to $107,011
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,039

Key Factors That Influence Radio Frequency Engineer II Salaries

A Radio Frequency Engineer II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Radio Frequency Engineer II'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): $89,522
  • Radio Frequency Engineer II (2-4 years): $99,500
  • Radio Frequency Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,758
  • Radio Frequency Engineer IV (7+ years): $143,786
  • Radio Frequency Engineer V (7-10 years): $177,640
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Radio Frequency Engineer I0-2 years$89,522
Radio Frequency Engineer II2-4 years$99,500
Radio Frequency Engineer III4-7 years$120,758
Radio Frequency Engineer IV7+ years$143,786
Radio Frequency Engineer V7-10 years$177,640

Top Paying Cities for Radio Frequency Engineer II

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: $125,499
  • San Francisco: $124,125
  • Oakland: $121,509

What Skills Can Increase a Radio Frequency Engineer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 17.98% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 3.07% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 17.98%
Schematic 3.07%
Installation 1.97%

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 a Radio Frequency Engineer II's salary.

  • System Design: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Systems Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Debugging: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
System Design $109,450
10%
Systems Engineering $108,455
9%
Debugging $107,460
8%

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

Radio Frequency Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $112,276. While startup companies pay approximate $95,020.

Radio Frequency Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $95,020
Growth Stage 51~500 $100,485
Established 501~5000 $108,435
Enterprise 5000+ $112,276

Radio Frequency Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Radio Frequency Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$129,350$62.030%
Energy & Utilities$124,375$60.025%
Construction$119,400$57.020%
Aerospace & Defense$114,425$55.015%
Business Services$109,450$53.010%

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

Understanding how a Radio Frequency Engineer II'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
$93,501
Average $99,500/year
$107,011
$7,792
Average $8,292/month
$8,918
$1,798
Average $1,913/week
$2,058
$45
Average $48/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $107,011 $8,918 $2,058 $51
Average $99,500 $8,292 $1,913 $48
25th Percentile $93,501 $7,792 $1,798 $45

Radio Frequency Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Radio Frequency Engineer II, 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 II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Signal & Image Processing Engineer III $126,257 27%
Electrical Engineer III $120,758 21%
Electronics Engineer III $120,758 21%
Radio Frequency Engineer III $120,758 21%

Most common benefits for Radio Frequency Engineer II

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

Common company salaries for Radio Frequency Engineer II

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

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FAQ about Radio Frequency Engineer II

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

A Radio Frequency Engineer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Radio Frequency Engineer II is $125,499.

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

The highest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer II is $113,849.

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

The lowest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer II is $88,039.

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

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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Radio Frequency Engineer II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Radio Frequency Engineer II 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.)

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