Computer Hardware Engineers
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computers and related equipment.
Is computer hardware engineers a good career?
It scores 40/100 and ranks #67 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($161,740 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+7.3% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What computer hardware engineers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. computer hardware engineers earn between $126,090 and $202,990 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live computer hardware engineers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as electrical engineering. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should have a solid background in math and science. Bachelor’s degree programs may include academic and laboratory coursework in subjects such as circuit design and computer and operating systems organization.
Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is helpful. This background may be obtained through computer science courses.
Students may participate in internships while in school so that they can gain practical experience.
Some employers require or prefer that job candidates have a master’s degree in computer engineering. All engineers must continue their learning over the course of their careers to keep up with rapid advances in technology.
Advancement
Some computer hardware engineers can advance to become engineering managers.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Computer hardware engineers often work on teams and must be able to convey complex information, both orally and in writing, to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Computer skills. Computer hardware engineers use computer-aided design software to perform engineering tasks. They also may need a working knowledge of programming languages.
Critical-thinking skills. Computer hardware engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.
Related occupations
How much do computer hardware engineers make?
The national median wage is $161,740 a year, with the middle half earning between $126,090 and $202,990 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is computer hardware engineers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 40 of 100 and ranks #67 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +7.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a computer hardware engineer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do computer hardware engineers earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($185,180). Local pay for every state and metro is below.