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Hardware Engineering

M5 - Director

The median salary range for Hardware Engineering (M5) roles disclosed in public job postings is $215k - $286k as of Jul 2026, based on 408 job postings from 84 companies.

Salary Range

Low

$215,000

14%

Mid

$250,500

14%

High

$286,000

Level Comparison

Level	Sample Size		Low	Mid	High
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance.	Very Large 431 Data Points		$72,800	$86,850	$100,900
IC2 Developing 2-4 YOE Contributes to projects under general guidance. Skills are relatively developed with room for growth.	Very Large 1,058 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 976 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 1,297 Data Points		$137,000	$161,065	$185,130
IC5 Expert 12+ YOE A very experienced team member who leads large, high-priority projects that impact company-level goals.	Very Large 396 Data Points		$158,006	$186,503	$215,000
IC6 Advisory An authority in their field who defines and drives initiatives with long-term strategic impact.	Very Large 477 Data Points		$167,625	$198,813	$230,000
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results.	Very Large 220 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 142 Data Points		$179,850	$211,950	$244,050
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results.	Large 96 Data Points		$215,000	$250,500	$286,000
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function.	Medium 41 Data Points		$240,000	$270,000	$300,000