As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Hardware Systems Engineer in District of Columbia is $84,574, equivalent to $41 per hour, $1,626 weekly, or $7,048 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 District of Columbia vary widely, spanning from $70,456 to $97,574. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($77,184) and 75th percentile ($91,379), while top earners (90th percentile) make $97,574 per year. This $14,195 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% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 59 companies. However, District of Columbia currently ranks 1 nationwide for Hardware Systems Engineer job salary. 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 $70,456 DC January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $77,184 DC January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $84,574 DC January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $91,379 DC January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $97,574 DC January 01, 2026
25% $77,184 10% $70,456 90% $97,574 75% $91,379 $84,574 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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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Naval Anacost Annex, DC Avg. Salary $84,943 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Parcel Return Service, DC Avg. Salary $84,943 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Washington, DC Avg. Salary $84,943 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Washington Navy Yard, DC Avg. Salary $84,943 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Job Openings for Hardware Systems Engineer in District of Columbia

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