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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Development Engineer in Virginia is $101,463 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Hardware Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Hardware Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $108,237 | $9,020 | $2,081 | $52 |
| Average | $101,463 | $8,455 | $1,951 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,096 | $7,925 | $1,829 | $46 |
SimVentions, Inc - Port Royal, VA
SimVentions, Inc - Dahlgren, VA
SimVentions, Inc - Colonial Beach, VA
SimVentions, Inc - King George, VA
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 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 | $84,452 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $100,965 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $117,071 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $142,187 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Development Engineer | $167,844 |
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:
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 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 | $121,756 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $121,756 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $121,756 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $121,756 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $121,756 | $59.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $108,237 | $9,020 | $2,081 | $52 |
| Average | $101,463 | $8,455 | $1,951 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,096 | $7,925 | $1,829 | $46 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Hardware Development Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Pixalate, Inc.
McLean, VA
Pixalate, Inc. | McLean, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Forward Development Engineer. Location. McLean, VA (hybrid). Employment Type. Full-Time. About the Role. As a. Forward De... more
6 Days Ago
REHAU Construction LLC
Leesburg, VA
REHAU Construction LLC | Leesburg, VA
Job Description. Job Description. their careers and make a meaningful impact. About the Role. REHAU is seeking a Product Development Engineer to join our W... more
6 Days Ago
StyleCraft Homes
Henrico, VA
StyleCraft Homes | Henrico, VA
Job Description. Job Description. StyleCraft is a locally owned family of companies with the mission to Create Communities that Inspire People to Live Up. ... more
8 Days Ago
ProAmpac
Franklin Heights, VA
ProAmpac | Franklin Heights, VA
Location: Rocky Mount, VA (Highly Preferred). Also open to candidates near our sites in: Cincinnati, OH, Griffin, GA, Hartford, WI, and Toronto, ON. We are... more
8 Days Ago
System One
Merrifield, VA
System One | Merrifield, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Senior Software Development Engineer (SDET). Location: Hybrid Work Model Reporting to Vienna, VA, Pensacola, F... more
9 Days Ago
Research Innovations
Alexandria, VA
Research Innovations | Alexandria, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Title. Software Development Engineer in Test. Location. Alexandria, VA. Clearance Requirement. Candidate must ha... more
9 Days Ago
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