SOC 17-2061.00Bright outlook

    Computer Hardware Engineers

    Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

    Median pay
    $161,740
    Growth
    +9.1%
    Much faster than average
    Openings a year
    4,100
    Typical education
    Bachelor's degree

    Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition

    Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

    See the pathway

    Annual pay range

    Lowest 10% earn less than
    $92,940
    Median
    $161,740
    Highest 10% earn more than
    $225,330
    National wages for all workers in this occupation. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

    76,660 people work in this occupation.

    In short

    Computer hardware engineers research, design, and test computer equipment and components for various industries. This career offers a high median annual salary of $161,740 and is experiencing rapid employment growth.

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What computer hardware engineers do

    Job Zone 4: Considerable preparation

    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.

    Most need a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.

    What the work is like

    Computer hardware engineers focus on the physical components of technology. Their daily work involves researching, designing, developing, and testing computer-related equipment for commercial, military, scientific, or industrial applications. They frequently analyze data, solve complex problems, and make technical decisions to ensure equipment functions properly. Some engineers also oversee the manufacturing and installation of these hardware components.

    To succeed in this field, professionals need strong skills in critical thinking, active listening, and systems analysis. They must be able to communicate technical details clearly to supervisors and peers, both in writing and speech. The job requires deep knowledge of computers, electronics, engineering, mathematics, and physics.

    This career appeals to individuals with realistic interests who enjoy hands-on, practical work. Key work styles for these engineers include a strong attention to detail, innovation, dependability, and intellectual curiosity. They must also show perseverance and adaptability when troubleshooting complex technical issues.

    How to get there

    Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree. Most professionals also need several years of related work experience before they are fully prepared for the role. Common college majors that lead to this career include computer engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and electrical, electronics, and communications engineering.

    While preparing for this career, individuals can pursue relevant certifications. One such credential is the Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer certification, offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Additionally, some states list specific licensing requirements for people performing this engineering work.

    Pay and outlook explained

    The median annual pay for computer hardware engineers is $161,740. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $92,940 and the highest 10% earning more than $225,330.

    There are 76,660 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 9.1%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth, along with normal turnover, is expected to result in approximately 4,100 job openings each year.

    Interest profile

    Realistic (R) · strongest
    78 / 100
    Investigative (I)
    76 / 100
    Artistic (A)
    14 / 100
    Social (S)
    14 / 100
    Enterprising (E)
    16 / 100
    Conventional (C)
    73 / 100
    How strongly each interest area describes the work, from O*NET (scores rescaled to 0–100). The interest code lists the strongest areas in order.

    Interest code RIC. Compare it with yours

    What you'd do

    Working with Computers
    97
    Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    92
    Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    87
    Analyzing Data or Information
    86
    Getting Information
    85
    Thinking Creatively
    85
    Processing Information
    83
    Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    81
    Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    79
    Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
    76
    Work activities rated by importance for this occupation, O*NET (0–100).

    Skills and strengths

    Skills

    • Critical Thinking
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Active Listening
    • Complex Problem Solving
    • Speaking
    • Writing
    • Active Learning
    • Judgment and Decision Making
    • Operations Analysis
    • Systems Analysis

    Knowledge

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Design
    • Mathematics
    • English Language
    • Physics
    • Telecommunications
    • Education and Training
    • Production and Processing
    • Administration and Management

    Abilities

    • Deductive Reasoning
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Information Ordering
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Written Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Written Expression
    • Near Vision
    • Category Flexibility

    Work styles

    • Attention to Detail
    • Innovation
    • Dependability
    • Intellectual Curiosity
    • Achievement Orientation
    • Adaptability
    • Cautiousness
    • Integrity
    • Perseverance
    • Tolerance for Ambiguity

    Also called

    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

    Career pathway

    From your interests to computer hardware engineers

    Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.

    1. Interests

    2. This career

      • Computer Hardware Engineers$161,740 median pay

    3. Majors

    4. Colleges

    College Scorecard program outcomes

    Colleges with strong outcomes

    Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.

    1. 1Carnegie Mellon University logo
      Carnegie Mellon University

      Pittsburgh, PA · Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $150,074
      4 yrs after
      $250,168
      Median debt
      $19,500
    2. 2University of California-Los Angeles UCLA logo
      University of California-Los Angeles UCLA

      Los Angeles, CA · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $137,925
      4 yrs after
      $228,705
      Median debt
      $17,731
    3. 3University of California-Berkeley CAL logo
      University of California-Berkeley CAL

      Berkeley, CA · Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $154,713
      4 yrs after
      $200,543
      Median debt
      $13,548
    4. 4Columbia University in the City of New York logo
      Columbia University in the City of New York

      New York, NY · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      Not reported
      4 yrs after
      $194,365
      Median debt
      Not reported
    5. 5Duke University logo
      Duke University

      Durham, NC · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $149,622
      4 yrs after
      $174,522
      Median debt
      $12,000
    6. 6
      University of Washington-Seattle Main Campus

      Seattle, WA · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $147,670
      4 yrs after
      $169,570
      Median debt
      $13,570
    7. 7University of Washington-Bothell Campus logo
      University of Washington-Bothell Campus

      Bothell, WA · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $147,670
      4 yrs after
      $169,570
      Median debt
      $13,570
    8. 8University of Washington-Tacoma Campus logo
      University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

      Tacoma, WA · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $147,670
      4 yrs after
      $169,570
      Median debt
      $13,570

    Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.

    NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk

    Majors that lead here

    Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.

    CareerOneStop

    Certifications, licenses and pay by state

    What computer hardware engineers may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.

    Certifications

    Core certifications employers recognise for this work.

    Search all certifications on CareerOneStop

    Training

    Programs of study that prepare people for this work.

    • Computer Engineering, General
    • Computer Hardware Engineering
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Electrical and Electronics Engineering

    Find training near you on CareerOneStop

    Licenses by state

    50 states list a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.

    Check license requirements on CareerOneStop

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Your plan

    Build my pathway plan

    Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.

    Related careers

    Careers with similar work, interests or skills.

    All careers

    Questions about computer hardware engineers

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What are some alternative job titles for computer hardware engineers?

    People in this profession are also called computer engineers, computer hardware designers, and computer installation engineers. Some specialize in specific areas and hold titles like analog design engineer or application specific integrated circuit design verification engineer.

    What college majors are most relevant to this career?

    Students interested in this path typically major in computer engineering, electrical and computer engineering, or electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. A bachelor's degree in one of these fields is the standard entry-level requirement.

    Are there any certifications or licenses for computer hardware engineers?

    Yes, engineers can earn the Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer certification from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Additionally, some states list licensing requirements for individuals practicing in this field.

    Sources and attribution

    Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.

    O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Page data updated November 5, 2026.