How much does a Research Engineer make?
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:
- 10th percentile: $50,000
- 25th percentile: $83,364
- 50th percentile (median): $116,727
- 75th percentile: $183,455
- 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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Research Engineer?

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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.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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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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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?

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



