As of January 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 $63,635 to $88,127. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($69,711) and 75th percentile ($82,531), while top earners (90th percentile) make $88,127 per year. This $12,820 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 $63,635 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $69,711 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $76,385 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $82,531 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $88,127 US January 01, 2026
25% $69,711 10% $63,635 90% $88,127 75% $82,531 $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

 
 
 
69711
82531
76385

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
74077
84614
78911
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 $69,711 to $82,531 with the average base salary of $76,385. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $74,077 to $84,614 with the average total cash compensation of $78,911.

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69711
82531