Firmware Test Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Firmware Test Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firmware Test Engineer in the United States is $103,453 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

However, a Firmware Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,191
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $99,008 to $110,644
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,962

Key Factors That Influence Firmware Test Engineer Salaries

A Firmware Test Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Firmware Test Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Firmware Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $114,543.
  • California: $114,109.
  • Massachusetts: $112,588.

Top Paying Cities for Firmware Test Engineers

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:

  • San Jose: $130,485
  • San Francisco: $129,057
  • Oakland: $126,337

What Skills Can Increase a Firmware Test Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.82% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Python (Mentioned in 4.46% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
  • Linux (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): Managing a system's hardware and resources using a Unix-like open-source operating system.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.82%
Python 4.46%
Linux 1.79%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Firmware Test Engineer's salary.

  • Aviation: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Data Science: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Aviation $118,971
15%
Data Science $113,798
10%
Leadership $112,764
9%

Firmware Test Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Firmware Test 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 Construction and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Firmware Test Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Firmware Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Firmware Test Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction$124,144$60.020%
Energy & Utilities$118,971$57.015%
Aerospace & Defense$113,798$55.010%
Business Services$108,626$52.05%

How Education impacts a Firmware Test Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Firmware Test Engineers 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 Firmware Test Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $97,521 and $105,564).

Firmware Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Firmware Test Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.3%
High School 27.3%
Associates 2.3%
Bachelors 27.3%
Masters 38.6%
Doctorate 31.8%

Firmware Test Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Firmware 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 September 01, 2026
$99,008
Average $103,453/year
$110,644
$8,251
Average $8,621/month
$9,220
$1,904
Average $1,989/week
$2,128
$48
Average $50/hour
$53
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $110,644 $9,220 $2,128 $53
Average $103,453 $8,621 $1,989 $50
25th Percentile $99,008 $8,251 $1,904 $48

Most common benefits for Firmware Test Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Firmware Test Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Firmware Test Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Firmware Test Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Firmware Test Engineer?

The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Firmware Test Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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