As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Test Engineer in the United States is $113,060 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 | $81,021 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $96,863 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $112,314 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $136,410 |
| Hardware ... Level Hardware Test Engineer | $161,025 |
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
|
$119,844 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$118,713 |
5%
|
|
Integrity
|
$118,713 |
5%
|
|
Product Design
|
$118,713 |
5%
|
|
Networking
|
$118,713 |
5%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$117,582 |
4%
|
For Hardware Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Test Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $141,325 | $68.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $135,672 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $130,019 | $63.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $124,366 | $60.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $124,366 | $60.0 | 10% |
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 August 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 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Hardware Test Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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