As of March 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Hardware Systems Engineer in the US is $76,385, equivalent to $37 per hour, $1,469 weekly, or $6,365 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Hardware Systems Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Hardware Systems Engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $63,658 to $88,131. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($69,723) and 75th percentile ($82,533), while top earners (90th percentile) make $88,131 per year. This $12,810 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Hardware Design, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Hardware Systems Engineer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 59 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Hardware Systems Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $63,658 US March 01, 2026
25th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $69,723 US March 01, 2026
50th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $76,385 US March 01, 2026
75th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $82,533 US March 01, 2026
90th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $88,131 US March 01, 2026
25% $69,723 10% $63,658 90% $88,131 75% $82,533 $76,385 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A Hardware Systems Engineer ?

A Hardware Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing hardware components and systems. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that hardware meets performance, reliability, and cost requirements. Key tasks include creating specifications, conducting feasibility studies, and performing system integration. Engineers in this position utilize various tools and methodologies to troubleshoot and optimize hardware performance. The salary for a Hardware Systems Engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experienc...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Job Openings for Hardware Systems Engineer

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Hardware Systems Engineer

    0 - 2 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Hardware Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for A Hardware Systems Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
69723
82533
76385

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
74457
85047
79315
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Hardware Systems Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Hardware Systems Engineer ranges from $69,723 to $82,533 with the average base salary of $76,385. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $74,457 to $85,047 with the average total cash compensation of $79,315.

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69723
82533