Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in California
Computer Hardware Engineers in California earn an average of $169,292 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$169,292
per year
Hourly Rate
$81.39
per hour
vs National
+16.1%
$145,760 national
Salary Range
$111,387
to $243,854
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$169,292
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$119,220
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Computer Hardware Engineer's salary of $169,292 has the purchasing power of $119,220 in an average-cost area.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $204,870 | $98.50/hr | $134,622 | $299,730 | 106 |
| San Francisco, CA | $192,660 | $92.63/hr | $127,286 | $277,607 | 122 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $164,648 | $79.16/hr | $104,767 | $235,923 | 102 |
| San Diego, CA | $156,819 | $75.39/hr | $103,930 | $227,794 | 84 |
| Riverside, CA | $148,386 | $71.34/hr | $97,456 | $208,603 | 72 |
| Sacramento, CA | $148,371 | $71.33/hr | $100,258 | $213,465 | 82 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 568 Computer Hardware Engineers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$111,387
Starting salary for new Computer Hardware Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$169,292
Mid-career Computer Hardware Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$243,854
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Computer Hardware Engineer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Computer Hardware Engineer Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Computer Hardware Engineer salary in California?
The average Computer Hardware Engineer salary in California is $169,292 per year ($81.39/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.1% above the national average of $145,760.
What is the highest paying city for Computer Hardware Engineers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Computer Hardware Engineers in California, with a median salary of $204,870 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Sacramento, CA at $148,371.
What is the salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers in California?
Computer Hardware Engineer salaries in California range from $111,387 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $243,854 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $169,292 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.