As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Radio Frequency Engineer I in the United States is $99,509 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Radio Frequency Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Radio Frequency Engineer I'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 Radio Frequency Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Radio Frequency Engineer I | years | $0 |
| Radio Frequency Engineer I | 2-4 years | $99,509 |
| Radio Frequency Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,761 |
| Radio Frequency Engineer IV | 7+ years | $143,790 |
| Radio Frequency Engineer V | 7-10 years | $177,598 |
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 Radio Frequency Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 17.98% |
| Schematic | 3.07% |
| Installation | 1.97% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$106,475 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$105,480 |
6%
|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$104,484 |
5%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$103,489 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$103,489 |
4%
|
|
Calibration
|
$103,489 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Radio Frequency Engineer I'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 Radio Frequency Engineer I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Signal & Image Processing Engineer III | $126,211 | 27% |
| Electrical Engineer III | $120,761 | 21% |
| Electronics Engineer III | $120,761 | 21% |
| Radio Frequency Engineer II | $120,761 | 21% |
Salaries for a Radio Frequency Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,788 in 2023 to around $105,196 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Radio Frequency Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $111,788 |
| 2024 | $109,068 |
| 2025 | $105,196 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Radio Frequency Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Radio Frequency Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Radio Frequency Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Radio Frequency Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Radio Frequency Engineer I is $125,511.
The highest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer I is $113,864.
The lowest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer I is $86,759.
Develops products and technologies related to wireless telecommunications by applying RF and mixed signal capabilities. Responsibilities may include RF front-end design, radio propagation modeling and prediction, microwave path analysis, interference analysis and filter design, frequency coordination, analog-to-digital converters, cell site equipment layout, and circuit design. Develops and executes product testing and integration plans for new or updated products. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
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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