If you enjoy playing around with computers and their physical components, you may be wondering, how much do computer hardware engineers make? Computer hardware engineers design, test, and analyze computer systems and equipment using their analytical and technical skills. They work with circuit boards, storage and memory devices, processing units, and other hardware components.
If you are intrigued by this career path and its financial opportunities, read on. This article will show how much computer hardware engineers make per hour and annually, as well as how much freelance computer hardware engineers stand to earn in this field. Let’s get started.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary: An Overview of How Much Computer Hardware Engineers Make
- Average Salary: $119,560
- 10th Percentile Salary: $70,100
- 90th Percentile Salary: $192,110
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has stated that, as of May 2020, computer hardware engineers earn a median annual salary of $119,560. Computer hardware engineers in the top 10 percent earned more than $192,110, while the average annual wages of the lowest 10 percentile is $70,100.
According to PayScale, the average salary of a computer hardware engineer is $85,726 as of January 2022. A computer hardware engineer’s salary can vary depending on several factors such as industry, skills, level of education, location, and experience.
How Much Do Computer Hardware Engineers Make Per Hour?
BLS has noted that the average hourly wage of a computer hardware engineer is $57.48. Computer hardware engineers’ average hourly salary in the 10th percentile is $33.70, while the 90th percentile earned a median wage of around $92.36.
Hourly wages vary depending on many factors such as level of education, soft skills, and professional experience. Entry-level computer hardware engineers will earn less than experienced professionals.
Do Computer Hardware Engineers Make Good Money?
Yes, engineers in this profession earn highly competitive salaries. BLS has mentioned on their occupational employment and wage statistics page that the median salary of all occupations is $56,310. That is well under the average annual salary of a computer hardware engineer.
How Much Do Computer Hardware Engineers Make? A Salary Breakdown by Location, Experience, and Skills
The field of computer hardware engineering is vital because most industries use computers and therefore need computer hardware engineers in their workforce. Average wages in this field vary depending on many factors. This section will look at salary estimates according to location, experience, and skills.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries by Location
As a computer hardware engineer, your salary will vary greatly depending on where you work. This table shows you the five highest-paying states in the US. According to ZipRecruiter, the top-paying state is New York.
| Location | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
| New York | $42,777 | $82,565 | $111,880 |
| Massachusetts | $42,373 | $81,784 | $110,822 |
| Washington | $42,077 | $77,194 | $110,049 |
| Alaska | $38,887 | $77,097 | $101,706 |
| Minnesota | $36,783 | $70,994 | $96,201 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries by Level of Experience
Computer hardware engineering is a competitive field, and your level of experience will affect your annual income. The more experience you have gained throughout your career, the higher your salary. This table will show the yearly median wage estimates of computer engineers from entry-level positions to late-career positions as indicated by PayScale.
| Experience Level | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| Entry-Level | $55,000 | $75,650 | $108,000 |
| Early-Career | $59,000 | $83,011 | $112,000 |
| Mid-Career | $46,000 | $94,960 | $136,000 |
| Experienced | $48,000 | $110,729 | $154,000 |
| Late-Career | $45,000 | $110,000 | $194,000 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries by Skill
Computer hardware engineers need to have many different skills, and the ones they decide to specialize in will affect their yearly earnings. The top-paying skill in this field is VHSIC hardware description language. The table below will show you the five highest-paying computer engineering skills according to PayScale.
| Skill | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| VHSIC Hardware Description language | $66,000 | $90,265 | $148,000 |
| Engineering Design | $66,000 | $86,925 | $120,000 |
| C++ Programming language | $63,000 | $84,667 | $117,000 |
| Board Design / Debug | $61,000 | $83,963 | $115,000 |
| Computer Hardware Technician | $46,000 | $82,161 | $114,000 |
Computer Hardware Engineers Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of computer hardware engineering will grow by two percent from 2020 to 2030. The average growth rate of all occupations is eight percent. Although the growth rate for these engineers is below average, there will still be a demand for these professionals as more major industries continue to develop hardware devices.
Despite the below-average rate of growth, computer hardware engineering is one of the best tech professions. The top-paying industries for computer hardware engineers are securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments, software publishers, and computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing.
Is Computer Hardware Engineering a Good Career?
Yes, this is a great career path if you are interested in computer hardware design and enjoy analytical thinking. While the job outlook is not as high as that of other professions, there is still a demand for these engineers in a variety of industries. Developing soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills can help you stand out and find success in this field.
Computer hardware engineers need to keep up with the latest trends in technology to stay relevant. Luckily, there is a wide variety of online courses and other resources you can use to learn more about computer hardware and keep up with new technologies. If you put in the work, develop new skills, and gain enough practical experience, you’ll be able to earn well and build a successful career.
How Much Do Computer Hardware Engineers Make? FAQ
The average wage of a computer hardware engineer is $9,963 per month. This can be calculated using the average annual salary of $119,560 divided by 12 months. Higher-level roles, such as those that involve management, yield higher monthly salaries.
According to the occupational employment and wage statistics page on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, are the two highest-paying metropolitan areas.
If you want to become a computer hardware engineer, your best bet is to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or a related field, such as computer science or information technology. Some employers, such as large firms, might also require you to have additional engineering degrees such as a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering.
There are many career options for computer hardware engineers. Some common computer hardware engineering specializations include cryptography, computer vision and robotics, and process design. Depending on your career goals, you can determine which specialty is best suited for you and find proper training in that area.
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