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Computer Hardware Engineer Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a computer hardware engineer in the United States?
$138,080 per year
According to BLS.gov, the average salary for a computer hardware engineer in the United States is $138,080 annually. The lowest salary is $81,630 annually, and the highest is $212,770 annually.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salary information above is the median annual wage.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 84,100; estimated number of computer hardware engineer jobs. It is estimated that 6,100 new jobs will be added by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 7% which is faster than the growth of the average career.
Work Environment
💼 Most computer hardware engineers work in offices or indoors with computer equipment.
🏢 20% of computer hardware engineers work in computer systems design and related services.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does a Computer Hardware Engineer Salary Stack Up?
Computer hardware engineers earn a high salary of $138,080 annually on average. Patent agents earn $130K per year on average. Patent agents with a background in computer hardware engineering may earn more than the average patent agent.
Patent attorneys earn $185K annually on average, which is nearly $50,000 more each year. From a salary standpoint, it looks worth it to transition into a career in patent law for computer hardware engineers.
Top Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Libraries and Other Information Services | $250,410 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $167,510 |
| Computer Equipment Manufacturing | $166,030 |
| Software Publishers | $162,490 |
| Electronics and Appliance Retailers | $159,080 |
Salary by Computer Hardware Engineer Industry
In the U.S., the average computer hardware engineering salary is $138,080.
Computer hardware engineers in the Libraries and Other Information Services industry earn the highest average salary at $250,410. Those working in Scientific Research and Development Services and Computer Equipment Manufacturing receive average salaries of $167,510 and $166,030, respectively. The Software Publishers and Electronics and Appliance Retailers industries offer slightly lower average salaries, at $162,490 and $159,080.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a computer hardware engineer:
- Working with Computers — Utilizing computer systems and technology, including hardware and software, for programming, software development, function setup, data entry, and information processing.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving — Examining data and assessing outcomes to select the optimal solution and address issues effectively.
- Updating and Applying Knowledge — Staying current with technical advancements and integrating new insights into job responsibilities.
- Data Analysis — Dissecting information to uncover fundamental principles, reasons, or facts by segmenting data into distinct parts.
- Information Gathering — Observing, collecting, and acquiring information from all pertinent sources.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a computer hardware engineer:
- Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to evaluate the pros and cons of different solutions, conclusions, or methods for tackling problems.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in job-related documents.
- Active Listening — Fully focusing on what others are saying, understanding their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.
- Complex Problem Solving — Recognizing intricate issues and analyzing associated information to develop, assess, and implement effective solutions.
- Speaking — Communicating clearly and effectively to convey information to others.
Knowledge required to work as a computer hardware engineer:
- Computers and Electronics — Understanding circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic devices, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Engineering and Technology — Insight into the practical use of engineering science and technology, encompassing principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment for designing and producing various products and services.
- Design — Familiarity with design techniques, tools, and principles for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical uses.
Average Education
According to onetonline.org, 48% of computer hardware engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 34% have a Master’s degree, and 7% have some college.
Top Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Computer hardware engineers in San Jose, CA, earn the highest average salary among the cities listed, at $191,300. Santa Barbara, CA, and San Francisco, CA, follow with average salaries of $179,720 and $178,220, respectively. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, and San Diego, CA, offer slightly lower average salaries, at $166,120 and $165,320.
Computer hardware engineers in California earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $173,270. Massachusetts follows with an average salary of $158,070, while Oregon offers $146,520. Colorado and Texas provide lower average salaries, at $139,830 and $119,280, respectively.
Take a look at the average computer hardware engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $191,300 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | $179,720 |
| San Francisco, CA | $178,220 |
| Curham-Chapel Hill, NC | $166,120 |
| San Diego, CA | $165,320 |
Look at the average computer hardware engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $173,270 |
| Oregon | $146,520 |
| Massachusetts | $158,070 |
| Texas | $119,280 |
| Colorado | $139,830 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, machines, and other mechanical equipment.
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