As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Lead RF Engineer in the United States is $177,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.
However, a Lead RF Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead RF 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 RF 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| RF Engineer II | 4-7 years | $120,761 |
| RF Engineer III | 7+ years | $143,790 |
| Lead RF Engineer | 7-10 years | $177,598 |
| Radio Frequency Engineer VI | years | $0 |
| Radio Frequency Engineering Manager | years | $0 |
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 RF Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.82% |
| Systems Analysis | 2.35% |
| Computer Science | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
MATLAB
|
$182,928 |
3%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$181,152 |
2%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$181,152 |
2%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$181,152 |
2%
|
|
Planning
|
$179,376 |
1%
|
|
Initiative
|
$179,376 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Lead RF 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 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Lead RF Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer VI | $217,000 | 22% |
| EE VI | $200,900 | 13% |
Salaries for a Lead RF Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $175,618 in 2023 to around $166,350 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead RF Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $175,618 |
| 2024 | $171,894 |
| 2025 | $166,350 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lead RF Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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To become a Lead RF Engineer, it typically takes four to six years of relevant work experience, including three to five years in a senior engineering or project management role. The salary for this position ranges from $173,400 to $201,700, with a mid-point salary of $188,400, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.
As of January 20, 2025, the salary range for a Lead RF Engineer in the United States is between $173,400 and $201,700 annually, with a median salary of $188,400. This reflects the competitive compensation for this specialized role in the engineering field.
The highest-paid Lead RF Engineer can expect a salary ranging from $173,400 to $201,700, with a median salary of $188,400. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, ensuring that skilled professionals are rewarded for their expertise and contributions.
There are over 18,302 radio frequency engineers currently employed in the United States. Among them, 8.9% are women and 91.1% are men. The average age of a radio frequency engineer is 44 years. In terms of salary, Lead RF Engineers earn between $173,400 and $201,700, with a median salary of $188,400.
As of January 19, 2025, the average annual pay for a Lead RF Engineer in the United States ranges from $173,400 to $201,700, with a mid-salary of $188,400. This translates to approximately $83.33 to $96.73 per hour, or $3,358 to $3,973 per week, and $14,450 to $17,250 per month.
The highest-paid engineering role is the Lead RF Engineer, with a salary range from $173,400 to $201,700. The average salary for this position is approximately $188,400, making it one of the top-paying engineering jobs in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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