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Semiconductor Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Semiconductor Engineer III make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Semiconductor Engineer III in the United States is $121,769 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

However, a Semiconductor Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $140,006
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,805 to $131,315
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $102,733
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Semiconductor Engineer III Salaries

A Semiconductor Engineer III'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 Semiconductor Engineer III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Semiconductor Engineer III'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:

  • Semiconductor Engineer II (2-4 years): $98,044
  • Semiconductor Engineer III (4-7 years): $121,769
  • Semiconductor Engineer IV (7+ years): $128,635
  • Semiconductor Engineer V (7-10 years): $154,310
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Semiconductor Engineer II2-4 years$98,044
Semiconductor Engineer III4-7 years$121,769
Semiconductor Engineer IV7+ years$128,635
Semiconductor Engineer V7-10 years$154,310
View as Graph

How Do Semiconductor Engineer IIIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Semiconductor Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $134,823.
  • California: $134,311.
  • Massachusetts: $132,521.

Top Paying Cities for Semiconductor Engineer III

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: $153,587
  • San Francisco: $151,906
  • Oakland: $148,704

Semiconductor Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Semiconductor Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $136,220. While startup companies pay approximate $115,210.

Semiconductor Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $115,210
Growth Stage 51~500 $121,858
Established 501~5000 $131,539
Enterprise 5000+ $136,220

Semiconductor Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Semiconductor Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Semiconductor Engineer positions in Telecom or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Semiconductor Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Semiconductor Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$170,477$82.040%
Internet$146,123$70.020%

Semiconductor Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Semiconductor Engineer III'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
$111,805
Average $121,769/year
$131,315
$9,317
Average $10,147/month
$10,943
$2,150
Average $2,342/week
$2,525
$54
Average $59/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $131,315 $10,943 $2,525 $63
Average $121,769 $10,147 $2,342 $59
25th Percentile $111,805 $9,317 $2,150 $54

Semiconductor Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Semiconductor Engineer III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Semiconductor Engineer III, 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
Aeronautical Engineer IV $140,155 15%
Aerospace Engineer IV $140,152 15%
Engineer IV $140,155 15%
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer IV $135,471 11%

Most common benefits for Semiconductor Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Semiconductor Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Semiconductor Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Semiconductor Engineer III

1. Where can a Semiconductor Engineer III earn the most?

A Semiconductor Engineer III'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 Semiconductor Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Semiconductor Engineer III is $153,587.

2. What is the highest pay for Semiconductor Engineer III?

The highest pay for Semiconductor Engineer III is $140,006.

3. What is the lowest pay for Semiconductor Engineer III?

The lowest pay for Semiconductor Engineer III is $102,733.

4. What are the responsibilities of Semiconductor Engineer III?

Formulates and optimizes semiconductor devices and manufacturing processes. Conducts process analysis, implements design enhancements, and collaborates on new technology development to meet production and performance goals. Supports the fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting of integrated circuits, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. Works closely with cross-functional teams to enhance chip performance, reliability, and efficiency. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Semiconductor Engineer III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Semiconductor Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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