RF Engineer Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
The role of an RF engineer has become increasingly critical in today's wireless-driven world. RF engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining systems that transmit or receive radio signals, ensuring optimal performance for everything from cellular networks to radar systems.
As our reliance on wireless technologies deepens, the demand for skilled professionals in this area continues to grow. This article will explore the RF engineer salary, factors influencing their earnings, and how compensation varies across industries and states, like California.
An Overview of Salaries RF Engineer
As of June 18, 2025, the average salary for an RF engineer in the United States is $105,690 per year. Compensation typically ranges from $91,744 to $122,693, depending on industry, skill level, and location.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $91,744 |
| 25% Percentile | $98,390 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $105,690 |
| 75% Percentile | $114,590 |
| 90% Percentile | $122,693 |
According to the US. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the engineer salary spectrum is broader when considering roles such as hardware engineer, where professionals in similar sectors command premium pay.
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing: $136,570 per year
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences: $130,840 per year
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing: $115,700 per year
- Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution: $114,720 per year
- Engineering services: $103,450 per year
These ranges suggest that where an RF engineer works has a notable impact on how much they can expect to earn.
RF Engineer Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The average salary for RF engineers can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com, the average rate for RF engineers in the United States is approximately $48 per hour or $8,299 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $48
- Average salary per week: $1,915
- Average salary per month: $8,299
- Average salary per year: $99,590
The average hourly rate is particularly useful for freelance or consulting engineers who bill by the hour. Companies that offer access to additional compensation such as bonuses and stock grants further boost annual take-home pay.
How Experience Impacts RF Engineer?
Experience plays a critical role in determining how much an RF engineer earns. Entry-level positions typically start with a salary around $101,426 per year, while those with more experience can see their salaries rise to over $108,000.
Based on the data from Salary.com, the salary of an RF engineer varies by experience level. Here’s a breakdown of how compensation increases with experience:
- Entry-Level RF Engineer I : $101,426
- Intermediate Level RF Engineer I : $101,641
- Senior Level RF Engineer I : $104,439
- Specialist Level RF Engineer I : $108,075
- Expert Level RF Engineer I : $108,335
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for RF Engineer
Each U.S. state offers different average salaries for RF engineers based on factors such as local demand, cost of living, and the presence of high-tech industries. According to Salary.com data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average annual salary for RF engineers at $117,090. The next highest paying states are California and Massachusetts, with $116,590 and $115,090 per year, respectively.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary for RF engineers in select states:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $114,390 |
| Alabama | $97,090 |
| Arkansas | $95,490 |
| Arizona | $102,990 |
| California | $116,590 |
| Colorado | $107,890 |
| Connecticut | $112,990 |
| District of Columbia | $117,090 |
| Delaware | $107,090 |
| Florida | $99,990 |
| Georgia | $101,990 |
| Hawaii | $110,490 |
| Iowa | $101,190 |
| Idaho | $98,690 |
| Illinois | $107,790 |
| Indiana | $101,490 |
| Kansas | $100,690 |
| Kentucky | $99,490 |
| Louisiana | $100,490 |
| Massachusetts | $115,090 |
| Maryland | $108,990 |
| Maine | $103,090 |
| Michigan | $104,090 |
| Minnesota | $108,190 |
| Missouri | $100,490 |
| Mississippi | $94,290 |
| Montana | $99,790 |
| North Carolina | $100,490 |
| North Dakota | $104,390 |
| Nebraska | $99,590 |
| New Hampshire | $106,890 |
| New Jersey | $114,590 |
| New Mexico | $97,890 |
| Nevada | $104,590 |
| New York | $112,390 |
| Ohio | $102,890 |
| Oklahoma | $97,790 |
| Oregon | $107,390 |
| Pennsylvania | $105,290 |
| Rhode Island | $109,590 |
| South Carolina | $99,090 |
| South Dakota | $96,090 |
| Tennessee | $98,790 |
| Texas | $103,090 |
| Utah | $101,190 |
| Virginia | $106,490 |
| Vermont | $103,790 |
| Washington | $114,590 |
| Wisconsin | $103,990 |
| West Virginia | $95,190 |
| Wyoming | $101,390 |
RF Engineer: Top Earning Cities Revealed
The top-paying cities for RF engineers are usually tech hubs or cities with dense aerospace, defense, or telecom infrastructure. These regions offer premium compensation and faster career advancement.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $131,990 |
| San Francisco, CA | $131,990 |
| Oakland, CA | $129,090 |
| New York, NY | $122,490 |
| Queens Village, NY | $121,690 |
| Paramus, NJ | $120,890 |
These cities not only pay more but also provide better access to cutting-edge projects and specialized training programs. RF engineers in these areas also tend to receive above-average signing bonuses and stock options.
Explore RF Engineer Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their base salary, RF engineers receive a variety of benefits that contribute to their total compensation package. According to Salary.com, RF engineers are eligible for:
- Social Security
- 401(k) and pension plans
- Disability insurance
- Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
RF Engineer Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
An RF engineer is primarily responsible for the design, testing, and optimization of radio frequency systems. Their work is essential to maintaining wireless communications in a wide range of sectors, including telecom, aerospace, defense, and IoT.
The job description of an RF engineer includes:
- Designing RF circuits and systems.
- Simulating antenna patterns and wave propagation.
- Overseeing testing, deployment, and system validation.
- Collaborating with developer teams on embedded RF integration.
- Ensuring systems comply with FCC and global standards.
RF engineers must stay current with advances in wireless technology and must often have strong knowledge in hardware engineer disciplines.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a RF Engineer?
If you’re planning to increase your RF engineer salary, it’s critical to take a strategic, well-prepared approach that highlights both your value and market trends. Employers are looking to retain top talent, especially in technical roles where RF expertise intersects with hardware engineering and developer functions.
Here are key steps to help you effectively advocate for a raise and maximize your earnings per year:
- Certify Your Skills: Investing in formal education and professional development is one of the most impactful ways to position yourself for a higher salary. Consider pursuing certifications in antenna design, Software-Defined Radio (SDR), RF safety compliance, or emerging technologies like 5G and satellite communications.
- Build a Performance Case: To successfully negotiate a raise, you’ll need evidence that your work has delivered tangible results. Keep detailed records of your contributions, such as optimizing antenna performance, reducing signal interference, or streamlining testing workflows.
- Research Salaries: Use reliable platforms like Salary.com and data from the US. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to benchmark the average salary for RF engineers in your region. This is especially helpful if you’re located in one of the highest paying areas, such as California, where RF roles can exceed $111,000 per year.
- Plan the Timing: Timing is crucial when asking for a raise. Most companies conduct formal performance evaluations either mid-year or at the end of the fiscal year. Aligning your request with these cycles ensures your manager has the budget flexibility and organizational backing to make salary adjustments.
- Negotiate Wisely: Salary negotiations require a balance of assertiveness and adaptability. Be open to negotiating more than just base pay. Sometimes, if the company can't increase your core engineer salary immediately, they may offer alternatives such as performance bonuses, extra PTO, flexible scheduling, or enhanced access to remote work options.
Why Do RF Engineer Make So Much?
RF engineers earn a high salary because the demand for these professionals has surged as wireless technology expands across sectors such as telecommunications, defense, aerospace, and IoT, creating a need for skilled engineers who can design, optimize, and manage complex RF systems.
Technical expertise in areas such as signal processing, antenna design, scripting, and data analytics significantly boosts RF engineer salary, as these skills are crucial for delivering high-performance wireless communication systems.
Also, proficiency in high-demand technical skills plays a significant role in boosting RF engineer salaries. For instance, expertise in scripting languages can lead to a 6.48% salary increase, making it one of the most valuable skills in the RF field.
Data analysis provides a strong salary boost, with a 5.29% increase, while technical support follows closely behind at 5.17%. Engineers with experience in electrical engineering see a 4.34% increase, while those proficient in programming and CAD benefit from 3.35% and 3.33% increases, respectively.
- Electrical Engineering: +4.34% salary increase
- Scripting Languages: +6.48% salary increase
- Programming: +3.35% salary increase
- Technical Support: +5.17% salary increase
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): +3.33% salary increase
- Data Analysis: +5.29% salary increase
The Future of RF Engineer: Job Outlook and Career Trends
Looking ahead, the demand for RF engineers is expected to remain strong and grow steadily through 2030 and beyond. The US. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts stable employment growth for electronics engineers, a category that includes RF professionals. Several trends are driving this upward trajectory:
- 5G Expansion: As networks expand coverage and optimize performance, companies will continue hiring engineers to support antenna placement, spectrum management, and power optimization.
- Satellite & Space Tech: Commercial satellite ventures, especially in California, are fueling demand for RF engineers to design long-range communication systems.
- Autonomous Systems: From drones to self-driving cars, these vehicles rely on real-time RF links for telemetry, sensing, and control, making RF a critical enabler.
