Filters
Location
Company Stage
Age of Data
Industry
Company
Benchmarking
Tools
Hardware Engineering
IC5 - Expert
The median salary range for Hardware Engineering (IC5) roles disclosed in public job postings is $161k - $220k as of Oct 2026, based on 2,773 job postings from 170 companies.
Salary Range
Low
$160,675
16%
Mid
$190,417
16%
High
$220,159
Level Comparison
| Level | Sample Size | Low | Mid | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance. | Very Large 611 Data Points | $75,000 | $88,150 | $101,300 | |
IC2 Developing 2-4 YOE Contributes to projects under general guidance. Skills are relatively developed with room for growth. | Very Large 1,443 Data Points | $101,500 | $120,750 | $140,000 | |
IC3 Proficient 5-7 YOE Owns specific projects and requires minimal guidance. Skills are fully developed. | Very Large 1,221 Data Points | $120,000 | $145,000 | $170,000 | |
IC4 Advanced 8-11 YOE Owns complex projects and drives their direction. Displays in-depth and broad skills and expertise. | Very Large 1,677 Data Points | $137,000 | $160,775 | $184,550 | |
IC5 Expert 12+ YOE A very experienced team member who leads large, high-priority projects that impact company-level goals. | Very Large 548 Data Points | $160,675 | $190,417 | $220,159 | |
IC6 Advisory An authority in their field who defines and drives initiatives with long-term strategic impact. | Very Large 580 Data Points | $170,000 | $200,945 | $231,890 | |
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results. | Very Large 299 Data Points | $159,000 | $182,000 | $205,000 | |
M4 Sr. Manager Experienced people manager responsible for setting objectives, observing budgets, and tracking results. | Very Large 182 Data Points | $179,700 | $207,200 | $234,700 | |
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results. | Very Large 132 Data Points | $210,000 | $242,500 | $275,000 | |
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function. | Large 56 Data Points | $237,000 | $281,000 | $325,000 |