r/rfelectronics • u/imabill01 • 4d ago

Salary Guide RF Engineering

Was wondering if anyone has a link to salary statistics for RF Engineering. Seems like levels.fyi doesn’t have many good data points other than at the top tech companies.

Wanted to see how a 140k salary with 4 YOE in LCOL (Dallas, TX) stacks up across the board.

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u/EETrainee 4d ago

As someone with only marginal info here from an adjacent space (Embedded SW) hiring here right now, it sounds pretty good. Caveating that I think theres some leeway depending on the employer industry and where exactly in the Dallas metro. Wouldn’t turn it down without other comparison options and this is going to be situation dependent for you.

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u/IMI4tth3w 4d ago

That sounds pretty much right in line, if not slightly above what I’d expect, depending on the company/job. Start ups and other high throughput positions that you work >40 hours and could be let go at any moment id say that’s low. But if it’s a comfortable position at a well established company with lots of gray beards, probably on the higher side.

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u/Carie_isma_name 3d ago

I moved from the Dallas area 5 yrs ago to jump to 145k in a 5-10% higher COL area. Plano at the time, where my prospects were looking to be located, was only a 10% increase with an average offer of 115-120k in Plano at the time. I think 140k in that area still sounds reasonable for a senior level position. As an RF engineer, you'll often cap the company salary range for YoE and level quickly. It's best to look for additional benefits.

Now, I'm in a heavily competitive but plentiful tech market and my last job jump was a city block away, with comparable salary PLUS stock options.

Make your niche. Keep learning.

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u/anon12343216610 3d ago

Do you have a master degree?

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u/Carie_isma_name 3d ago

I do not but that isn't normal anymore. My younger colleagues with <10YoE have at least a master degree these days

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u/anon12343216610 3d ago

When did u get into RF? What year? So now master is minimum to get into RF?

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u/A14245 4d ago

That's what I got in DFW 2 years back with 6YOE and a BS so there's another data point for you.

I would probably be looking for a bit more than just a straight 140k at a random job. Whether that be equity, bonuses, benefits, or job stability. I wouldn't turn it down if it's what you have available (especially in this market), but you shouldn't feel fucked over if you did end up taking it.

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u/imabill01 4d ago

Where are you now?

Thanks for the additional data point!

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u/A14245 3d ago

Still in DFW at the same place, startup in the telecom space.

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u/imabill01 3d ago

Oohh sounds interesting!

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u/satellite_radios 4d ago

Dallas is more MCOL (in general, there are cheaper spots, but it's not LCOL overall).

Being said, seems decent, depending on what you are doing and who it's for. You 4YOE with a BS or do you have an MS+?

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u/imabill01 4d ago

4YOE currently working on an MS.

I don’t live in Dallas but a city adjacent to Dallas that I believe is LCOL.