Research and Development Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Research and Development Engineer make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Engineer in the United States is $116,896 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

However, a Research and Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $135,878
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $107,994 to $126,832
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $99,889
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View as table View as graph 25% $107,994 10% $99,889 90% $135,878 75% $126,832 $116,896 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $126,832 $10,569 $2,439 $61
Average $116,896 $9,741 $2,248 $56
25th Percentile $107,994 $9,000 $2,077 $52
Check out Research and Development Engineer Job Openings in the United States
Senior Test Development Engineer

Raytheon - TEWKSBURY, MA

Test Development Design Engineer II

Raytheon - TEWKSBURY, MA

Senior Test Development Engineer

Raytheon - EDISON, NJ

Senior Test Development Engineer

Raytheon - TEWKSBURY, MA

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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Engineer Salaries

A Research and Development Engineer'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 Research and Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development Engineer'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $113,973
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $114,239
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $115,302
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $119,862
  • Expert (over 8 years): $122,086
Levels Salary
Entry Level Research and Development Engineer$113,973
Intermediate Level Research and Development Engineer$114,239
Senior Level Research and Development Engineer$115,302
Specialist Level Research and Development Engineer$119,862
Expert Level Research and Development Engineer$122,086
$113,973 0 yr
$114,239 < 2 yrs
$115,302 2-4 yrs
$119,862 5-8 yrs
$122,086 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Engineers

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: $147,441
  • San Francisco: $145,991
  • Oakland: $142,753

What Skills Can Increase a Research and Development Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.08% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Vision (Mentioned in 2.84% Job Postings): Designing and utilizing digital systems process, analyze, and interpret visual data.
  • Deep Learning (Mentioned in 2.06% Job Postings): Analyzing, developing, and applying big data and algorithms to imitate how humans think and learn.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.08%
Computer Vision 2.84%
Deep Learning 2.06%
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 Research and Development Engineer's salary.
  • Deep Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Computer Vision: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Deep Learning
 $127,417
9%
Computer Vision
 $125,079
7%
Artificial Intelligence
 $123,910
6%
Machine Learning
 $123,910
6%
Computer Science
 $121,572
4%
Algorithms
 $121,572
4%
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How Education impacts a Research and Development Engineer's Salary?

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

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Research and Development Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,563 and $123,542).

Research and Development Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research and Development Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 14.7%
Associates 0.9%
Bachelors 14.7%
Masters 25.7%
Doctorate 58.7%
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Research and Development Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development Engineer'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$107,994
Average $116,896/year
$126,832
$9,000
Average $9,741/month
$10,569
$2,077
Average $2,248/week
$2,439
$52
Average $56/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $126,832 $10,569 $2,439 $61
Average $116,896 $9,741 $2,248 $56
25th Percentile $107,994 $9,000 $2,077 $52

Research and Development Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Engineer
Human Factors Researcher IV
Research and Development Associate IV
Human Factors Researcher V
SVP of Research & Development

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Engineer, 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.

Research and Development Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Researcher IV $134,629 15%
Research and Development Associate IV $131,383 12%

Salaries of jobs related to Research and Development Engineer

Most common benefits for Research and Development Engineer

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Common company salaries for Research and Development Engineer

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FAQ about Research and Development Engineer

1. Where can a Research and Development Engineer earn the most?

A Research and Development Engineer'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 Research and Development Engineer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Research and Development Engineer is $147,441.

2. What is the highest pay for Research and Development Engineer?

The highest pay for Research and Development Engineer is $135,878.

3. What is the lowest pay for Research and Development Engineer?

The lowest pay for Research and Development Engineer is $99,889.

4. What are the responsibilities of Research and Development Engineer?

Conducts research and development activities for an organization. Applies research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities. Summarizes research results and communicates findings to internal and external bodies. Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures projects are on time and within budget. Develops technical documentation for all projects. May require an advanced degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

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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