As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Development Engineer in the United States is $100,758 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Hardware Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware 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 |
|---|---|
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $83,865 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $100,263 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $116,257 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $141,198 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $166,677 |
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 Hardware Development Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.57% |
| Circuit Design | 3.89% |
| Hardware Development | 2.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard Working
|
$116,879 |
16%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$110,834 |
10%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$110,834 |
10%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$108,819 |
8%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$108,819 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$108,819 |
8%
|
For Hardware Development 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Development Engineer positions in MFG Nondurable or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Development Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $120,910 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $120,910 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $120,910 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $120,910 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $120,910 | $58.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Development Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Hardware Development Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $92,911 and $96,935).
Hardware Development Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 5.8% |
| Bachelors | 28.3% |
| Masters | 59.2% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how a Hardware 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Hardware Development Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $98,478 in 2023 to around $96,494 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Development Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $98,478 |
| 2024 | $98,008 |
| 2025 | $96,494 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware Development Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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