Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
Computer Hardware Engineer - View salary data across all locations
Average Salary
$146,470
across all locations
Highest Paying
$204,870
San Jose, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
See which cities pay Computer Hardware Engineers the most, from $204,870 down to the #10 spot.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $204,870 | $98.50 | 106 |
| San Francisco, CA | $192,660 | $92.63 | 122 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,365 | $86.71 | 115 |
| New York, NY | $175,544 | $84.40 | 166 |
| Boston, MA | $172,821 | $83.09 | 99 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $164,648 | $79.16 | 102 |
| Washington, DC | $163,115 | $78.42 | 126 |
| Denver, CO | $157,190 | $75.57 | 70 |
| San Diego, CA | $156,819 | $75.39 | 84 |
| Austin, TX | $153,101 | $73.61 | 69 |
| Chicago, IL | $152,362 | $73.25 | 101 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $151,481 | $72.83 | 85 |
| Hartford, CT | $150,257 | $72.24 | 80 |
| Portland, OR | $149,552 | $71.90 | 77 |
| Raleigh, NC | $149,256 | $71.76 | 82 |
| Riverside, CA | $148,386 | $71.34 | 72 |
| Sacramento, CA | $148,371 | $71.33 | 82 |
| Providence, RI | $148,310 | $71.30 | 71 |
| Atlanta, GA | $148,184 | $71.24 | 97 |
| Baltimore, MD | $147,174 | $70.76 | 87 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $147,093 | $70.72 | 84 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $145,862 | $70.13 | 89 |
| Nashville, TN | $145,386 | $69.90 | 84 |
| Miami, FL | $144,665 | $69.55 | 87 |
| Dallas, TX | $144,110 | $69.28 | 87 |
| Tampa, FL | $143,950 | $69.21 | 78 |
| Houston, TX | $141,708 | $68.13 | 105 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $141,259 | $67.91 | 70 |
| Orlando, FL | $141,039 | $67.81 | 70 |
| Charlotte, NC | $140,539 | $67.57 | 73 |
| Richmond, VA | $140,336 | $67.47 | 80 |
| Cleveland, OH | $139,986 | $67.30 | 75 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $139,421 | $67.03 | 73 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $139,152 | $66.90 | 91 |
| Columbus, OH | $137,690 | $66.20 | 82 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $137,456 | $66.08 | 84 |
| Kansas City, MO | $136,555 | $65.65 | 79 |
| Detroit, MI | $135,857 | $65.32 | 76 |
| St. Louis, MO | $135,755 | $65.27 | 70 |
| New Orleans, LA | $133,328 | $64.10 | 86 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $133,179 | $64.03 | 89 |
| Louisville, KY | $132,230 | $63.57 | 70 |
| Tucson, AZ | $132,196 | $63.56 | 85 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $131,706 | $63.32 | 85 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $131,687 | $63.31 | 81 |
| Memphis, TN | $131,369 | $63.16 | 81 |
| San Antonio, TX | $130,807 | $62.89 | 80 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $127,064 | $61.09 | 71 |
| Birmingham, AL | $126,537 | $60.84 | 90 |
| El Paso, TX | $121,136 | $58.24 | 78 |
About Computer Hardware Engineer Careers
This professional role involves specialized skills and knowledge to perform essential job duties across various industries and organizations. Professionals in this field contribute to organizational success through their expertise and dedication to quality work.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average computer hardware engineer salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $146,470 per year. Salaries range from $121,136 in El Paso, TX to $204,870 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 4,326 professionals employed as computer hardware engineers across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Computer Hardware Engineer Do?
Computer Hardware Engineers perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Perform core job responsibilities with attention to quality and detail
- Collaborate with team members and stakeholders
- Stay current with industry trends and best practices
- Meet performance targets and organizational goals
- Maintain professional standards and ethical conduct
- Contribute to process improvements and efficiency gains
- Document work and maintain accurate records
Education Requirements
Qualifications for this role typically include relevant education, training, and experience. Many employers value a combination of formal education and practical experience. Professional certifications and continuing education can enhance career prospects and earning potential.
Key Skills for Computer Hardware Engineers
Factors That Affect Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
Several factors influence how much a computer hardware engineer earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Career advancement typically involves gaining experience, developing specialized expertise, and taking on increased responsibility. Opportunities may include senior-level positions, management roles, or specialized technical tracks.
Job Outlook
Employment in this field is influenced by economic conditions, industry trends, and technological developments. Professionals who stay current with industry changes and continuously develop their skills will have better career prospects.
Work Environment
Work environments vary based on industry and specific role requirements. Many positions offer opportunities for professional growth and development in supportive workplace settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries
What is the average computer hardware engineer salary in the United States?
The average computer hardware engineer salary across U.S. metropolitan areas is approximately $146,470 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by location, with some areas paying up to $204,870.
Where do computer hardware engineers earn the most money?
San Jose, CA offers the highest average salary for computer hardware engineers at $204,870 per year. Other high-paying areas can be found on our top paying cities for computer hardware engineers page.
How can I increase my salary as a computer hardware engineer?
To increase your earning potential as a computer hardware engineer, consider gaining additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, relocating to higher-paying metropolitan areas, negotiating salary during job transitions, and continuously developing your skills. Experience and demonstrated results also significantly impact earning potential.
What is the hourly rate for computer hardware engineers?
The average hourly rate for computer hardware engineers is approximately $70.42 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year). Hourly rates range from $58.24 to $98.50 depending on location.