As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Engineer in the United States is $119,156 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Research Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research 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 Research Engineer | $115,469 |
| Intermediate Level Research Engineer | $115,736 |
| Senior Level Research Engineer | $116,804 |
| Specialist Level Research Engineer | $121,407 |
| Expert Level Research Engineer | $123,659 |
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 Research Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.08% |
| Computer Vision | 2.84% |
| Deep Learning | 2.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep Learning
|
$129,880 |
9%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$127,497 |
7%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$126,305 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$126,305 |
6%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$123,922 |
4%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$123,922 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research 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 Research Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,563 and $123,542).
Research Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 14.7% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
Understanding how a Research 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Research Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $121,742 in 2023 to around $120,437 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $121,742 |
| 2024 | $122,151 |
| 2025 | $120,437 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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