Position
Salary

How much does a Research Engineer make?

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $161,855 per year in the US.

A Research Engineer often finds a rewarding career, not just in terms of intellectual satisfaction, but also financially. The average yearly salary for this role stands at around $161,855. This figure offers a broad view of what many in this profession can expect to earn.


Salary ranges can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the engineer’s experience, the industry, and the specific nature of their research. For instance, those in the top 10% of earners can expect to make upwards of $382,636 per year. Conversely, entry-level positions might start at about $45,000 annually. Such a range highlights the potential for growth and advancement in this field.

View Research Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Research Engineer?

For those pursuing a career as a Research Engineer, the top cities offer promising salaries. San Francisco leads with an average salary of $302,254, followed closely by San Jose at $229,216. High salaries await in tech hubs like Seattle and San Diego, making them attractive options for professionals in this field. Exploring beyond California, cities like Washington, DC, and Boston also provide competitive pay. Washington, DC, offers an average salary of $151,649, while Boston stands at $146,339. These cities combine excellent pay with vibrant career opportunities, appealing to many job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $302,254 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $120,602.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $302,254
    In San Francisco, you can expect to work with cutting-edge tech companies. Major firms like Google and Salesforce lead the way in tech innovation, providing ample opportunities for growth. The city's vibrant startup scene offers a dynamic environment for tech enthusiasts.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $229,216
    San Jose boasts a strong tech industry presence with companies like Apple and Tesla. This Silicon Valley hub is perfect for those wanting to dive deep into research and development. The collaborative culture here fosters innovation and learning.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $202,631
    Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. These companies offer a range of research opportunities, from software development to AI. The city's laid-back atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $176,849
    In San Diego, you can work with companies such as Qualcomm and biotech firms. The city's innovative spirit makes it a great place for research and development. The pleasant climate adds to the quality of life.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $163,634
    Los Angeles offers opportunities in entertainment tech, with companies like Disney and Sony. The diverse industries here provide a unique blend of research areas. The city's cultural richness adds to the overall experience.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $151,649
    Washington, DC is a hub for government and tech research. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin lead the way. The city's historical significance and political environment add an extra layer of interest.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $146,823
    Ann Arbor is known for its academic and research institutions. The University of Michigan offers many research opportunities. The small-town feel provides a relaxed atmosphere for focused work.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $146,339
    Boston is rich in history and tech innovation. Companies like Harvard and MIT provide numerous research opportunities. The city's vibrant academic scene adds to its appeal.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $142,266
    Pittsburgh is a growing tech hub with a strong focus on research. Companies like Uber and Carnegie Mellon University offer many opportunities. The city's unique blend of history and modernity makes it an attractive place to work.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $120,602
    Chicago offers a mix of industries for research professionals. Companies like Google and Boeing provide a range of opportunities. The city's rich cultural scene adds to the overall experience.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best companies a Research Engineer can work for?

Research Engineers often find rewarding opportunities at top companies like OpenAI, where the average salary is notably high. ByteDance and TikTok also provide competitive compensation, appealing to those in the tech and social media sectors. Other leading companies, including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, offer attractive salaries, making these roles highly sought after.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $408,845 and Qualcomm with the lowest at $184,936.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $408,845
    OpenAI offers Research Engineer positions that focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. They work in various locations, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Redmond, Washington. Engineers here play a key role in pushing the boundaries of AI.


  2. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $295,630
    At ByteDance, Research Engineers work on innovative technologies and algorithms to improve user experience. ByteDance operates globally, with major offices in Beijing, New York, and Los Angeles. Their engineers focus on the development of new tools and applications.


  3. TikTok
    Average Salary: $271,272
    TikTok Research Engineers develop and improve engaging and personalized content delivery. They are based in Los Angeles, New York, and Singapore. The work involves creating algorithms to suggest content that resonates with users.


  4. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $246,792
    NVIDIA hires Research Engineers to work on cutting-edge graphics and computing technologies. Locations include Santa Clara, California, and international offices. Engineers here focus on developing new GPU architectures and AI solutions.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $220,213
    Apple offers Research Engineer roles that emphasize innovation in hardware and software. Engineers work in Cupertino, California, and other locations worldwide. They focus on creating the next generation of Apple products.


  6. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $212,564
    Deloitte’s Research Engineers design and implement technology solutions for clients. They operate in multiple locations, including New York, London, and Sydney. Engineers here work on projects that improve efficiency and technology adoption for businesses.


  7. Amazon
    Average Salary: $205,894
    Amazon provides Research Engineer positions that focus on developing and improving e-commerce technologies. Offices are in Seattle, New York, and Bangalore. Engineers here work on algorithms and tools to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.


  8. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $202,538
    At Thomson Reuters, Research Engineers create innovative solutions for the media and finance sectors. They work in offices across New York, London, and Toronto. Their focus is on developing tools that provide insights and data analysis.


  9. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $189,139
    Microsoft Research Engineers design and implement new technologies across various sectors. They operate in Redmond, Washington, and other global locations. Their work includes advancements in cloud computing, AI, and software development.


  10. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $184,936
    Qualcomm hires Research Engineers to work on wireless technology and semiconductor products. Engineers are based in San Diego, California, and other locations. Their role involves developing innovative solutions for mobile and internet-connected devices.

How to earn more as a Research Engineer?

A Research Engineer has the chance to make a good income. Taking steps to earn more requires effort and strategy. Focus on these key areas to boost earnings.

First, gaining relevant experience and expertise can lead to higher pay. This can happen through work, education, or certifications. Specializing in a high-demand area can also increase earning potential. Second, networking plays a big role. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Joining professional organizations and attending industry events can help with this. Third, seeking out performance-based bonuses and promotions can add to earnings. This includes taking on challenging projects and demonstrating strong results. Fourth, consider the location. Certain cities and companies offer higher salaries for Research Engineers. Researching and applying to these places can make a big difference. Lastly, keeping skills up to date with new technology and techniques can make a Research Engineer more valuable. This can lead to higher earning potential over time.

By focusing on these factors, a Research Engineer can work towards earning more. It takes dedication, but the effort can pay off with a higher salary and better job opportunities.

  1. Gain Experience and Expertise
  2. Network with Professionals
  3. Seek Performance-Based Rewards
  4. Consider Location
  5. Update Skills Regularly

Currently 231 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
Overview
Research Engineer
231 Job Openings