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Hardware Engineering
IC3 - Proficient
The median salary range for Hardware Engineering (IC3) roles disclosed in public job postings is $120k - $165k as of Oct 2026, based on 15,061 job postings from 338 companies.
Salary Range
Low
$120,000
16%
Mid
$142,500
16%
High
$165,000
Level Comparison
| Level | Sample Size | Low | Mid | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance. | Very Large 678 Data Points | $75,000 | $88,700 | $102,400 | |
IC2 Developing 2-4 YOE Contributes to projects under general guidance. Skills are relatively developed with room for growth. | Very Large 1,543 Data Points | $101,600 | $120,800 | $140,000 | |
IC3 Proficient 5-7 YOE Owns specific projects and requires minimal guidance. Skills are fully developed. | Very Large 1,283 Data Points | $120,000 | $142,500 | $165,000 | |
IC4 Advanced 8-11 YOE Owns complex projects and drives their direction. Displays in-depth and broad skills and expertise. | Very Large 1,793 Data Points | $137,550 | $161,275 | $185,000 | |
IC5 Expert 12+ YOE A very experienced team member who leads large, high-priority projects that impact company-level goals. | Very Large 599 Data Points | $160,350 | $190,334 | $220,317 | |
IC6 Advisory An authority in their field who defines and drives initiatives with long-term strategic impact. | Very Large 630 Data Points | $170,000 | $200,900 | $231,800 | |
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results. | Very Large 321 Data Points | $159,500 | $182,304 | $205,108 | |
M4 Sr. Manager Experienced people manager responsible for setting objectives, observing budgets, and tracking results. | Very Large 194 Data Points | $180,000 | $207,350 | $234,700 | |
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results. | Very Large 145 Data Points | $210,000 | $242,450 | $274,900 | |
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function. | Large 60 Data Points | $231,700 | $271,200 | $310,700 |