Computer hardware engineers
SOC Code: 17-2061Also known as:
Analog Design Engineer, Analog IC Design Engineer (Analog Integrated Circuit Design Engineer), Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (ASIC Design Engineer), Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Verification Engineer (ASIC Design Verification Engineer), Computer Designer
Median Annual Salary
$155,020
+7.3% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
77K
Current Jobs
What Computer hardware engineers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$155,020
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+7.3%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
76,800
Projected Employment (2034)
82,400
Related Careers
Software developers
$133,080 •
+15.8% growth
Electronics engineers, except computer
$127,590 •
+6.2% growth
Engineers, all other
$117,750 •
+2.1% growth
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180 •
+0.6% growth
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Computer hardware engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a computer hardware engineers:
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
25,975 degrees awarded •
419 colleges offer this program
Computer Engineering, General
13,508 degrees awarded •
303 colleges offer this program
Electrical and Computer Engineering
2,006 degrees awarded •
40 colleges offer this program
Computer Hardware Engineering
80 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Computer hardware engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become computer hardware engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make?
The median annual salary for computer hardware engineers is $155,020.
What education do computer hardware engineers need?
Most computer hardware engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, General, Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Is becoming computer hardware engineers a good career choice?
Computer hardware engineers is projected to see +7.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 4,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for computer hardware engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring computer hardware engineers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, University of California-Berkeley, New York University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to computer hardware engineers?
Computer hardware engineers may also be known as: Analog Design Engineer, Analog IC Design Engineer (Analog Integrated Circuit Design Engineer), Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (ASIC Design Engineer), Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Verification Engineer (ASIC Design Verification Engineer), Computer Designer, Computer Engineer, Computer Hardware Designer, Computer Hardware Developer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Installation Engineer, Computer Tester, Computer Vision Engineer, Design Engineer, Design Verification Engineer, Digital Design Engineer, Digital Hardware Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Embedded Hardware Engineer, Engineer, Field Service Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.