A surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator device is disclosed. The SAW resonator has a piezoelectric layer disposed over a semiconductor substrate. The piezoelectric layer has a first surface and a second surface. The polarization axis (C-axis) of the piezoelectric layer is oriented at an angle relative to the second surface of the piezoelectric layer in a range of approximately 0° to approximately 45°. A layer is disposed between the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second surface of the piezoelectric layer.