As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Test Engineer in the United States is $113,054 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Hardware Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Test 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 Test 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 Test Engineer | $81,019 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $96,855 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $112,310 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $136,418 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $161,056 |
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 Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.53% |
| Python | 2.84% |
| Debugging | 1.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$119,837 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$118,707 |
5%
|
|
Integrity
|
$118,707 |
5%
|
|
Product Design
|
$118,707 |
5%
|
|
Networking
|
$118,707 |
5%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$117,576 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hardware Test 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 Test Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $111,673 and $116,809).
Hardware Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.8% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 1.9% |
| Bachelors | 28.0% |
| Masters | 57.9% |
| Doctorate | 9.3% |
Understanding how a Hardware Test 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 February 01, 2026Salaries for a Hardware Test Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $114,867 in 2023 to around $112,576 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Test Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $114,867 |
| 2024 | $114,993 |
| 2025 | $112,576 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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