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Salary

How much does a Research Engineer make?

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $153,248 per year in the US.

Research Engineers develop and test new technologies. They work in a variety of fields, from artificial intelligence to robotics. The pay for these jobs varies based on the industry and location. On average, a Research Engineer makes $153,248 per year. This is a good salary for the work they do.

Some Research Engineers earn more than others. Here is a breakdown of the salary range:

  1. 10th percentile: $50,000
  2. 25th percentile: $83,364
  3. 50th percentile (median): $116,727
  4. 75th percentile: $183,455
  5. 90th percentile: $283,545

The highest-paid Research Engineers earn over $400,000 per year. This often happens with those in advanced fields like nanotechnology or quantum computing. Salary can also grow with more experience and higher education.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Engineer?

Job seekers looking for research engineer roles can find top salaries in several cities. San Francisco offers the highest average pay at $299,191 annually, making it a prime location for career growth. Other notable cities include San Jose, Seattle, and San Diego, which also boast competitive average salaries for research engineers. Exploring these cities can provide significant opportunities for those in the field. San Jose, Seattle, and San Diego offer salaries above $180,000, offering attractive compensation packages. Pittsburgh, Ann Arbor, and Los Angeles also present strong options for research engineers, with salaries ranging from $142,500 to $137,000 annually.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $299,191 and Atlanta, GA with the lowest at $95,655.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $299,191
    In San Francisco, a hub for tech innovation, professionals thrive in a competitive environment. Companies like Google and Salesforce lead the way in research and development. A Research Engineer here engages in cutting-edge projects and collaborates with top talent.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $215,401
    San Jose, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, offers abundant opportunities for innovation. With firms like Intel and Apple, Research Engineers play a key role in developing next-gen technologies. The city buzzes with tech advancements and collaboration.
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  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $187,708
    Seattle, home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, provides a dynamic atmosphere for Research Engineers. The city supports a culture of innovation and teamwork. Professionals here enjoy working on impactful projects and a friendly tech community.
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  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $181,064
    San Diego combines beautiful weather with a strong tech scene. Companies such as Qualcomm and Illumina offer exciting opportunities. Research Engineers in this city benefit from a supportive environment and a focus on cutting-edge research.
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  5. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $144,976
    Pittsburgh's Research Engineers contribute to a blend of innovation and industry. With companies like Carnegie Mellon and UPMC, the city thrives on research excellence. Professionals here enjoy a unique mix of tech and healthcare advancements.
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  6. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $142,526
    In Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan drives a vibrant research scene. Local companies benefit from this academic talent pool. Research Engineers here engage in collaborative projects and enjoy a mix of academic and corporate environments.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $137,348
    Los Angeles offers a diverse landscape for Research Engineers. Companies like SpaceX and Raytheon focus on innovative projects. The city provides a dynamic setting where professionals can work on a range of exciting initiatives.
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  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $114,628
    Boston, with its rich academic background, supports a thriving tech sector. Major companies such as Biogen and Liberty Mutual offer numerous opportunities. Research Engineers in Boston enjoy a rich environment that combines education and industry.
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  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $111,147
    Chicago presents a robust environment for Research Engineers. Companies like Boeing and Caterpillar foster innovation. The city's diverse industries allow professionals to explore various research opportunities.
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  10. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $95,655
    Atlanta, a growing tech hub, offers a mix of opportunities for Research Engineers. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Coca-Cola focus on innovation. Professionals here benefit from a supportive community and a range of exciting projects.
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What are the best companies a Research Engineer can work for?

Research Engineers can find excellent opportunities with top companies. OpenAI, ByteDance, and Apple offer some of the highest salaries. These companies provide competitive pay and valuable career growth. Other notable firms include Thomson Reuters, Microsoft, and Qualcomm. Raytheon, Belcan, and Cintal, Inc. also pay well. These companies offer diverse projects and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $397,946 and Cintal, Inc. with the lowest at $83,282.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $397,946
    OpenAI seeks Research Engineers to push the boundaries of AI. They focus on safety and positive impact. Locations include San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.


  2. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $276,216
    ByteDance hires Research Engineers to innovate in technology and applications. They have offices in Beijing, New York, and other global locations.


  3. Apple
    Average Salary: $213,708
    Apple employs Research Engineers to improve product design and technology. They have offices in Cupertino, Austin, and more around the world.


  4. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $208,910
    Thomson Reuters looks for Research Engineers to enhance data analysis and tech solutions. They operate globally with major offices in Toronto, New York, and London.


  5. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $188,797
    Microsoft hires Research Engineers to advance its tech products. They have locations in Redmond, New York, and other key cities worldwide.


  6. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $187,548
    Qualcomm employs Research Engineers to work on mobile and wireless tech. They have offices in San Diego, Austin, and other global spots.


  7. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $130,563
    Raytheon hires Research Engineers for defense and aerospace projects. They have offices in Waltham, El Segundo, and other key locations.


  8. Belcan
    Average Salary: $85,052
    Belcan hires Research Engineers for aerospace and defense tech. They have offices in Louisville, Huntsville, and other strategic areas.


  9. Cintal, Inc.
    Average Salary: $83,282
    Cintal, Inc. employs Research Engineers to improve tech solutions. They have offices in El Segundo, Rochester, and other locations.

How to earn more as a Research Engineer?

A Research Engineer can find various ways to increase their earnings. Focusing on certain areas can lead to higher salary offers and job satisfaction. Investing in advanced skills and experience can create more opportunities. It is also important to stay updated with the latest trends in technology and research.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Research Engineer:

  1. Advanced Education: Getting higher degrees, like a Master's or PhD, can lead to better job offers. It shows a deeper knowledge and commitment to the field.
  2. Specialized Skills: Learning new technologies or programming languages can make a Research Engineer more valuable. Skills in machine learning, data analysis, and software development are in high demand.
  3. Work Experience: More years of experience can lead to higher pay. Working on various projects and taking on leadership roles can also make a difference.
  4. Networking: Building connections with other professionals can lead to new job opportunities. Attending conferences, joining professional groups, and connecting on platforms like LinkedIn can be very helpful.
  5. Industry Knowledge: Understanding the specific industry, such as biotech, automotive, or aerospace, can make a Research Engineer more attractive to employers. This knowledge can lead to higher-paying jobs.

Currently 122 Research Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Research Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Research Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Research Engineer today.
Position
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Research Engineer
122 Job Openings