Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists earn a median of $130,220 per year ($62.60/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 3.7% through 2035, with about 4,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 17-2072
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $130,220a year, or $62.60/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $82KTop 10% $207K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +3.7%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+3.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +3.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,90098,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202598.2K
- Projected 2035101.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 98.2K Projected 2035 101.8K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school5.6%
- Associate's10.1%
- Bachelor's74.8%
- Post-bacc certificate1.8%
- Master's7.7%
Highest education held by radio frequency identification device specialists Segment Value High school 5.6% Associate's 10.1% Bachelor's 74.8% Post-bacc certificate 1.8% Master's 7.7%
Also advertised as: Deployment Engineer, Electro Magnetic Compatibility Test Engineer, RFID Engineer (Radio Frequency Identification Device Engineer), RFID Systems Engineer (Radio Frequency Identification Device Systems Engineer), Technical Support Engineer.
Pay
How much do Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists make?
Every radio frequency identification device specialist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$130,220
Middle half earn $101,680 to $167,670
- 10th
- $81,840
- 25th
- $101,680
- 75th
- $167,670
- 90th
- $206,960
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $81,840 |
| 25th | $101,680 |
| Median | $130,220 |
| 75th | $167,670 |
| 90th | $206,960 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $130,220
- Median hourly wage
- $62.60/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $137,280
- People employed
- 96,900
Versus all US occupations
At $130,220, Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists earn 155% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $79,240 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
Inside the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110, this is 25% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $206,960 or more while the bottom 10% earn $81,840, a gap of 2.5×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 88% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($160,520), but once local prices are taken into account New Mexico leads at $148,560 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $160,520 | $144,978 | 20,830 |
| 2New Jersey | $158,730 | $145,885 | 1,820 |
| 3District of Columbia | $157,040 | $142,892 | 400 |
| 4Maryland | $155,650 | $148,296 | 3,390 |
| 5Massachusetts | $138,230 | $130,705 | 5,910 |
| 6New Mexico | $136,990 | $148,560 | 1,110 |
| 7Rhode Island | $136,360 | $133,320 | 970 |
| 8Texas | $132,220 | $136,229 | 9,520 |
| 9Washington | $130,270 | $121,733 | 1,950 |
| 10Illinois | $129,390 | $129,444 | 960 |
Job outlook
Is Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +3.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists | +3.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists to change 3.7% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 3,600 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,900 openings are projected each year, 5.0% of the 98,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment growth is expected as companies increasingly utilize the expertise of engineers for projects involving electrical and electronic devices, systems, and infrastructure. These engineers are expected to have key roles in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies.
Getting in
How to become a Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as radio frequency identification device specialists.
- Bachelor's Degree74.8%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10.1%
- Master's Degree7.7%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)5.6%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate1.8%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 74.8% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 10.1% |
| Master's Degree | 7.7% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 5.6% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 1.8% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist do?
Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, and test electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems.
Day-to-day tasks
- Identify operational requirements for new systems to inform selection of technological solutions.
- Test tags or labels to ensure readability.
- Test radio frequency identification device (RFID) software to ensure proper functioning.
- Integrate tags, readers, or software in radio frequency identification device (RFID) designs.
- Perform systems analysis or programming of radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology.
- Provide technical support for radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology.
- Install, test, or maintain radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems.
- Determine means of integrating radio frequency identification device (RFID) into other applications.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most electrical and electronics engineers work full time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where radio frequency identification device specialists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Engineering services22%
- Electric power generation, transmission and distribution10%
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences5%
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing5%
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engineering services | 22% |
| Electric power generation, transmission and distribution | 10% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 5% |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 5% |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Active Listening3.8
- Speaking3.8
- Reading Comprehension3.6
- Writing3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Mathematics2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Speaking | 3.8 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.6 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4
- Systems Analysis3.3
- Coordination3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Instructing3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Persuasion2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.3 |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Persuasion | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Geographic information system · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Conventional5.3
- Realistic5.1
- Investigative4.8
- Enterprising1.6
- Social1.5
- Artistic1.4
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
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Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician
$78,190median a year
Most earn $50K to $116K
+2.4%Associate's - Computer and Mathematical
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More architecture and engineering careers
Median annual pay, with radio frequency identification device specialists highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist$130,220
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist | $130,220 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist appears on
Questions
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist: frequently asked questions
How much do Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists make?
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists earn a median of $130,220 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 155% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $62.60/hr. The middle half earn between $101,680 and $167,670. The top 10% earn $206,960 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 74.8% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 3.7% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist do?
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, and test electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems. A core O*NET task: identify operational requirements for new systems to inform selection of technological solutions. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software.
Which states pay Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists the most?
The highest state medians for Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists are California ($160,520), New Jersey ($158,730), District of Columbia ($157,040) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, New Mexico moves to the top at $148,560.
What personality type suits a Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist?
O*NET scores Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists highest on the Conventional, Realistic and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.