As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Project Manager in the United States is $168,802 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, a Hardware Project Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Project Manager'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 Project Manager'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 Project Manager | $201,373 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Project Manager | $131,434 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Project Manager | $168,089 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Project Manager | $197,901 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Project Manager | $243,409 |
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 Project Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.24% |
| Career Development | 2.45% |
| Hardware Design | 1.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employee Health and Safety
|
$197,498 |
17%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$195,810 |
16%
|
|
Scope Management
|
$195,810 |
16%
|
|
Product Lifecycle Management
|
$192,434 |
14%
|
|
Competitive Environment
|
$190,746 |
13%
|
|
Information Security
|
$189,058 |
12%
|
For Hardware Project Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Project Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Project Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $199,186 | $96.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $189,058 | $91.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $185,682 | $89.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $185,682 | $89.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $182,306 | $88.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Project Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Project Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $165,166 and $172,197).
Hardware Project Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.1% |
| High School | 7.1% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 39.3% |
| Masters | 42.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.1% |
Understanding how a Hardware Project Manager'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 Project Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $168,307 in 2023 to around $166,115 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Project Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $168,307 |
| 2024 | $168,026 |
| 2025 | $166,115 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware Project Manager roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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