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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Hardware Engineer in Virginia is $122,580 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, an Entry Level Hardware Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Hardware Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $133,627 | $11,136 | $2,570 | $64 |
| Average | $122,580 | $10,215 | $2,357 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,573 | $9,131 | $2,107 | $53 |
ERG - Alexandria, VA
AE Works - Arlington, VA
AE Works - Arlington, VA
Super Radiator Coils - Richmond, VA
An Entry Level Hardware 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 an Entry Level Hardware 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 |
|---|---|
| Marketing... Level Entry Level Hardware Engineer | $71,531 |
| Marketing... Level Entry Level Hardware Engineer | $108,670 |
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Hardware Engineer | $125,290 |
| Marketing... Level Entry Level Hardware Engineer | $163,142 |
| Marketing... Level Entry Level Hardware Engineer | $200,649 |
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 Entry Level Hardware 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:
For Entry Level Hardware Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Hardware Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Hardware Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $147,096 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $140,967 | $68.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $140,967 | $68.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $140,967 | $68.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $140,967 | $68.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Hardware 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 | $133,627 | $11,136 | $2,570 | $64 |
| Average | $122,580 | $10,215 | $2,357 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,573 | $9,131 | $2,107 | $53 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Hardware Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
EAI Technologies
Vienna, VA
EAI Technologies | Vienna, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Discover the feelings of. Camaraderie and Family while being technically challenged to grow. Responsibilities. Assist in ... more
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LOEHMANNS PLAZA, NY
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Ayar Labs
SAN JOSE, CA
Ayar Labs | SAN JOSE, CA
Engineer, Hardware Test Software Job Location: On-site in San Jose Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pio... more
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Astronics Corporation
KIRKLAND, WA
Astronics Corporation | KIRKLAND, WA
Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Hardware/Software Integration Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a S enior Embedded Software Engine... more
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UniFirst
CONIMICUT, RI
UniFirst | CONIMICUT, RI
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UniFirst
MANOR, DE
UniFirst | MANOR, DE
UniFirst is seeking an Entry Level Sales Representative to help grow our uniform rental and facility services business. In this role, you’ll prospect and q... more
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