A radio frequency (RF) driver amplifier system and method that provides linear in decibel gain control is provided. The RF driver amplifier system comprises a linear transconductor receiving an input voltage and providing a controlled current based on input voltage received, temperature compensation circuitry for varying current from the linear transconductor according to absolute temperature, an exponential current controller receiving current varied according to temperature and providing an exponential current in response, and an inductive degeneration compensator receiving exponential current and providing a control current to driver amplifier circuitry, thereby compensating for inductive degeneration due to at least one inductor in the driver amplifier circuitry. Control current passes from the inductive degeneration compensator to the driver amplifier circuitry. Output gain from the driver amplifier circuitry varies linearly in decibels with respect to the input voltage.