As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Engineer in California is $128,936 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Research and Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Research and Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $139,896 | $11,658 | $2,690 | $67 |
| Average | $128,936 | $10,745 | $2,480 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,117 | $9,926 | $2,291 | $57 |
Cerebras - Sunnyvale, CA
Akkodis - Irvine, CA
Biolink360 - Santa Ana, CA
Axonics Modulation Technologies - Irvine, CA
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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Research and Development Engineer | $125,712 |
| Intermediate Level Research and Development Engineer | $126,005 |
| Senior Level Research and Development Engineer | $127,178 |
| Specialist Level Research and Development Engineer | $132,208 |
| Expert Level Research and Development Engineer | $134,661 |
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 Research and Development Engineers. 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 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $139,896 | $11,658 | $2,690 | $67 |
| Average | $128,936 | $10,745 | $2,480 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,117 | $9,926 | $2,291 | $57 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Human Factors Researcher IV | $148,496 | 15% |
| Research and Development Associate IV | $144,915 | 12% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Research and Development Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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