Robotics Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$155,000
national median salary
$120,000 to $195,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$222,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$162,000
Honolulu, HI
Lowest Paying
$117,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Robotics Engineer salary in the United States is $155,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $120,000 at the 25th percentile to $195,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $222,000, while Honolulu offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Salary is driven by expertise in perception, motion planning, and control systems.
Robotics Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Robotics Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Robotics Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $21,700 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$21,700 per year
≈ +$20,150 per year
≈ +$18,600 per year
≈ +$17,050 per year
≈ +$17,050 per year
≈ +$15,500 per year
≈ +$15,500 per year
≈ +$13,950 per year
What you should know
Salary is driven by expertise in perception, motion planning, and control systems. Engineers with production robotics experience in logistics, manufacturing, or surgical robotics command premiums. Proficiency with ROS2, embedded C++, and sensor fusion significantly widens compensation bands.
Junior robotics engineers start at $100,000 to $125,000. Mid-level engineers with deployed systems reach $140,000 to $170,000 after three to four years. Senior robotics engineers earn $175,000 to $220,000, while principal engineers at top firms exceed $250,000 in total compensation.
Equity at robotics startups can add $30,000 to $100,000 in annual value. Bonuses of 10% to 15% are standard. Hardware prototyping budgets and conference travel are common perks at research-oriented companies.