Position
Salary

How much does a Research Engineer make?

The average salary for a Research Engineer is $140,671 per year in the US.

Research Engineers play a key role in developing new technologies. They work in various fields, from computer science to engineering. Their work often involves creating new products or improving existing ones. The average yearly salary for a Research Engineer is around $140,671. This salary can vary based on experience and location.

The salary for Research Engineers can range widely. The lowest 10% earn about $50,000 a year. The top 10% earn over $367,000 annually. Most Research Engineers fall somewhere in the middle. Their salaries depend on their skills, education, and the industry they work in. For example, those in tech companies often earn more than those in other sectors. Experience also plays a big role. Engineers with more experience usually earn higher salaries.

View Research Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Research Engineer?

Research Engineers can find some of the best pay in San Francisco, California, where the average salary reaches nearly $293,000. San Jose and Seattle also offer high salaries, with averages around $203,000 and $178,000, respectively. Other cities like San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Boston provide competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $293,433 and Lexington, KY with the lowest at $82,751.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $293,433
    In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Companies like Google and Apple offer exciting opportunities. Engineers work on cutting-edge projects, shaping the future of technology.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $203,666
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub for tech giants. Engineers here collaborate on groundbreaking projects. Companies like Intel and Cisco provide a dynamic work environment.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $178,098
    Seattle offers a mix of tech and nature. Microsoft and Amazon are leading employers. Engineers enjoy a vibrant community and a focus on innovation.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $174,628
    San Diego combines beautiful weather with tech opportunities. Qualcomm and biotech firms are prominent. Engineers work on diverse projects, from software to life sciences.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $143,068
    Pittsburgh is known for its industrial heritage and tech growth. Companies like Carnegie Mellon offer unique research chances. Engineers contribute to advancements in robotics and AI.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $133,730
    Boston is a center for education and tech. MIT and Harvard provide rich research opportunities. Engineers work on projects that impact global health and technology.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $124,091
    Colorado Springs offers a blend of tech and outdoor activities. The Air Force and tech companies provide exciting roles. Engineers work on defense and aerospace projects.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  8. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $101,192
    Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, offering strong research opportunities. Engineers collaborate on innovative projects. The city's academic environment fosters growth.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  9. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $95,087
    Atlanta is a growing tech hub. Companies like Google and IBM offer diverse roles. Engineers work on projects that impact various industries, from finance to healthcare.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA


  10. Lexington, KY
    Average Salary: $82,751
    Lexington offers a mix of tech and a welcoming community. Companies like IBM and startups provide opportunities. Engineers work on projects that drive innovation in various sectors.
    Find Research Engineer jobs in Lexington, KY

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

Research Engineers at top companies enjoy competitive salaries. OpenAI offers the highest average salary at $382,159. Apple and Qualcomm follow closely, with average salaries of $205,776 and $197,814, respectively. Other notable companies include Thomson Reuters, Raytheon, and G&W Electric Company, all providing attractive compensation packages. Cintal, Inc., University of Alabama, and University of Texas at Austin also offer good salaries for Research Engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Engineer jobs, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $382,159 and University of Texas at Austin with the lowest at $67,386.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $382,159
    OpenAI offers exciting Research Engineer roles. They focus on advancing AI safely. They operate in San Francisco, California, and have remote opportunities.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $205,776
    Apple provides Research Engineer positions with a focus on innovation. They are based in Cupertino, California, and have offices worldwide.


  3. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $197,814
    Qualcomm hires Research Engineers to work on cutting-edge technology. They have locations in San Diego, California, and other global sites.


  4. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $175,565
    Thomson Reuters offers Research Engineer jobs with a focus on information technology. They operate in New York, New York, and other locations.


  5. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $130,967
    Raytheon provides Research Engineer roles in defense and technology. They have offices in Waltham, Massachusetts, and other sites.


  6. G&W Electric Company
    Average Salary: $101,273
    G&W Electric Company offers Research Engineer jobs with a focus on electrical engineering. They operate in various locations across the U.S.


  7. Belcan
    Average Salary: $79,649
    Belcan provides Research Engineer positions with a focus on engineering and technology. They have offices in multiple locations across the U.S.


  8. Cintal, Inc.
    Average Salary: $76,765
    Cintal, Inc. offers Research Engineer roles with a focus on engineering and technology. They operate in multiple locations across the U.S.


  9. University of Alabama
    Average Salary: $74,703
    The University of Alabama offers Research Engineer positions with a focus on academic research. They are located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.


  10. University of Texas at Austin
    Average Salary: $67,386
    The University of Texas at Austin provides Research Engineer roles with a focus on academic research. They are located in Austin, Texas.

How to earn more as a Research Engineer?

A Research Engineer can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong foundation in both technical skills and soft skills can lead to higher salary offers. Networking with industry professionals and staying updated on the latest trends can also open up more lucrative opportunities. Seeking out advanced degrees or certifications in specialized fields can further enhance earning potential. Finally, taking on leadership roles or projects that demonstrate significant impact can lead to higher compensation.

Here are five factors that can help a Research Engineer earn more:

  1. Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. can lead to higher-paying positions.
  2. Specialized Skills: Gaining expertise in high-demand areas like machine learning or data science can increase value.
  3. Networking: Building connections with industry leaders can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.
  4. Certifications: Earning certifications in relevant technologies can boost your resume and salary.
  5. Leadership Experience: Taking on roles that require managing projects or teams can lead to higher pay.

Currently 141 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
141 Job Openings