Robotics Engineer Salary in 2026
Design, build, and program robots for manufacturing, healthcare, exploration, and consumer applications.
Median Salary
$122,930
$10,244/mo
Entry Level
$82,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$179,800
experienced
Job Growth
+22%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Engineers, All Other (SOC 17-2199, the closest published occupation to Robotics Engineer) at a national median of $122,930 per year (mean $125,330), or $59.10 per hour, with 154,070 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Robotics Engineer Overview
Design, build, and program robots for manufacturing, healthcare, exploration, and consumer applications.
Education
Bachelor's or Master's
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
154K
5-Year Growth
+20%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$59.10/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,244
Robotics Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Robotics Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Robotics Engineer Salary
$147,000
$12,250/month · $5,654/biweekly · $70.67/hr
Robotics Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Robotics Engineer field.
Entry-level Robotics Engineers earn around $82,000, while the top 10% earn $200,900 or more.
Top Paying States for Robotics Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $145,000 | +$22,070 |
| Massachusetts | $138,000 | +$15,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $123,000 | +$70 |
| Texas | $120,000 | $-2,930 |
| Michigan | $117,000 | $-5,930 |
Top Paying Cities for Robotics Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $157,000 | +$34,070 |
| Boston | $138,000 | +$15,070 |
| Austin | $127,000 | +$4,070 |
| Detroit | $117,000 | $-5,930 |
| Pittsburgh | $117,000 | $-5,930 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Robotics Engineer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Robotics Engineer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Robotics Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Robotics Engineer from entry level to expert.
$82,000
0-2 years
$131,000
3-7 years
$179,800
8-14 years
$222,000
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Robotics Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Robotics Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Robotics Engineer in the United States is $122,930 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Engineers, All Other (SOC 17-2199); the mean is $125,330. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $82,000, senior professionals around $179,800, and top earners at $222,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Robotics Engineer?
A Robotics Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's or Master's with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include ROS, C++, Python. Relevant certifications such as PE License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Robotics Engineers?
The job market for Robotics Engineers is projected to grow by 22% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 154K Robotics Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 20%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Robotics Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Robotics Engineers include California, Michigan, Massachusetts. In California, the median salary is approximately $145,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Robotics Engineer salary?
To increase your Robotics Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like ROS and C++. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Jose. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $82,000 to $179,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Robotics Engineer Salary
How we calculate Robotics Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Engineers, All Other (SOC 17-2199), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $122,930, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Engineers, All Other; BLS mean $125,330; BLS hourly median $59.10.
- Entry-level ($82,000) and senior-level ($179,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +22% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 154,070 Engineers, All Other jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 20% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's or Master's, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $122,930; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Robotics Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Robotics Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Robotics Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (ROS, C++, Python), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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