As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Hardware Engineer in District of Columbia is $155,157 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Lead Hardware Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Hardware 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Hardware 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Hardware Engineer | $149,560 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Hardware Engineer | $150,274 |
| Senior Level Lead Hardware Engineer | $151,418 |
| Specialist Level Lead Hardware Engineer | $154,562 |
| Expert Level Lead Hardware Engineer | $157,778 |
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 Lead Hardware Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Lead Hardware 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 January 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Hardware Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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