Defense-tech pay has climbed as venture-backed startups compete with big tech and the traditional primes for a limited pool of engineers — especially those who are clearable. Here's a realistic picture of what different roles pay in 2026. (Ranges vary by location, company stage, clearance, and seniority — treat these as ballparks, not guarantees.)
By role
- Software Engineer: ~$140k–$250k. Higher at well-funded startups; a clearance adds a premium. See open roles →
- Autonomy / Perception Engineer: ~$160k–$300k. Among the highest-paid — drone and unmanned-systems autonomy is scarce talent. See open roles →
- Embedded / Firmware Engineer: ~$140k–$240k. Real-time and safety-critical experience pushes the top end. See open roles →
- Aerospace / Mechanical Engineer: ~$120k–$210k. Propulsion, structures, and GNC command premiums. See open roles →
- Electrical / Hardware Engineer: ~$130k–$220k. Power electronics and RF-adjacent hardware at the higher end. See open roles →
- RF / Communications Engineer: ~$140k–$240k. Radar, EW, and SIGINT expertise is in high demand and short supply. See open roles →
What moves the number
- Clearance: an active Secret or TS/SCI clearance can add a real premium — you're a smaller, pre-vetted pool.
- Company stage: a hot, well-funded startup often pays more (with meaningful equity) than an established prime.
- Location: Southern California, the DC/Virginia corridor, and the Bay Area pay above the national average — but so does the cost of living.
- Specialty depth: autonomy, RF/EW, and guidance expertise command the biggest premiums because the talent is scarce.
Want to see what a specific role pays at a specific company? The listings on Defense Tech Jobs link straight to each company's posting, where you can often see the range and apply directly.