Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
SOC code 17-2072 · O*NET-SOC 17-2072.01 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$130,220
a year
Hourly
$62.60
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$137,280
$66.00 per hour
Middle 50%
$101,680 – $167,670
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$81,840 – $206,960
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
96,900
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Electronics Engineers, Except Computer”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $81,840
- $39.35/hr
- 25th percentile
- $101,680
- $48.88/hr
- Median percentile
- $130,220
- $62.60/hr
- 75th percentile
- $167,670
- $80.61/hr
- 90th percentile
- $206,960
- $99.50/hr
What does a radio frequency identification device specialist do?
Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Identify operational requirements for new systems to inform selection of technological solutions.
- Integrate tags, readers, or software in radio frequency identification device (RFID) designs.
- Perform systems analysis or programming of radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology.
- Test radio frequency identification device (RFID) software to ensure proper functioning.
- Select appropriate radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags and determine placement locations.
- Perform site analyses to determine system configurations, processes to be impacted, or on-site obstacles to technology implementation.
- Perform acceptance testing on newly installed or updated systems.
- Determine means of integrating radio frequency identification device (RFID) into other applications.
How to become a radio frequency identification device specialist
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 75% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree75%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
- Master's Degree8%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)6%
Common questions
How much does a radio frequency identification device specialist earn?
The national median is $130,220 a year. The full range runs from $81,840 at the 10th percentile to $206,960 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a radio frequency identification device specialist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Writing3.3/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.8/5
- Engineering and Technology4.6/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Design3.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.