How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer
Design the physical machinery of computing: processors, boards, memory systems, and the devices they power. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $161,740 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$161,740/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
4,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Digital Design
- Circuit Analysis
- Hardware Testing
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
Helpful certifications
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Petroleum Engineer$144,910 median
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960 median
- Nuclear Engineer$133,970 median
- Chemical Engineer$125,040 median
- Electrical Engineer$120,630 median
- Materials Engineer$112,860 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineer make?
The median pay for a Computer Hardware Engineer is $161,740 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Computer Hardware Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science.
Is Computer Hardware Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 4,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Computer Hardware Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are Digital Design, Circuit Analysis, Hardware Testing, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.