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Hardware Engineering
M3 - Manager
The median salary range for Hardware Engineering (M3) roles disclosed in public job postings is $157k - $205k as of Sep 2026, based on 1,203 job postings from 123 companies.
Salary Range
Low
$157,000
13%
Mid
$181,000
13%
High
$205,000
Level Comparison
| Level | Sample Size | Low | Mid | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance. | Very Large 545 Data Points | $72,950 | $86,700 | $100,450 | |
IC2 Developing 2-4 YOE Contributes to projects under general guidance. Skills are relatively developed with room for growth. | Very Large 1,307 Data Points | $100,000 | $120,000 | $140,000 | |
IC3 Proficient 5-7 YOE Owns specific projects and requires minimal guidance. Skills are fully developed. | Very Large 1,132 Data Points | $120,000 | $143,750 | $167,500 | |
IC4 Advanced 8-11 YOE Owns complex projects and drives their direction. Displays in-depth and broad skills and expertise. | Very Large 1,548 Data Points | $136,500 | $160,750 | $185,000 | |
IC5 Expert 12+ YOE A very experienced team member who leads large, high-priority projects that impact company-level goals. | Very Large 499 Data Points | $161,700 | $191,554 | $221,409 | |
IC6 Advisory An authority in their field who defines and drives initiatives with long-term strategic impact. | Very Large 541 Data Points | $169,400 | $200,690 | $231,980 | |
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results. | Very Large 273 Data Points | $157,000 | $181,000 | $205,000 | |
M4 Sr. Manager Experienced people manager responsible for setting objectives, observing budgets, and tracking results. | Very Large 175 Data Points | $179,700 | $207,750 | $235,800 | |
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results. | Very Large 119 Data Points | $210,000 | $242,500 | $275,000 | |
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function. | Large 53 Data Points | $233,000 | $264,700 | $296,400 |