Computer Hardware Engineers
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Median pay: $161,740/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +7.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 4,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
• Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
• Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
• Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
• Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
• Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
• Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
• Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
What's the median pay for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The median pay for Computer Hardware Engineers is $161,740 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Employment for Computer Hardware Engineers is projected to change +7.3% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Computer Hardware Engineers?
About 4,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.