Computer Hardware Engineers

What They Do: Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Work Environment: Computer hardware engineers usually work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in computer systems design services and in manufacturing.

How to Become One: Most computer hardware engineers need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.

Salary: The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers is $128,170.

Job Outlook: Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a computer hardware engineer with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs

• Controls Engineer - Amsted Rail - Groveport,OH

  Amsted Rail-Griffin Wheel, the leading manufacturer of railroad wheels in North America, is currently seeking a Controls Engineer for our Groveport foundry. The Controls Engineer provides technical support to manufacturing operations.

• IT Systems Administrator 2nd shift - Magna International - Lancaster,OH

  Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection. What we offer: At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading...

• IT Professional - Navy - Mount Sterling,OH

  ABOUT Effective, secure communication in the cyber domain is essential to the everyday operations of military intelligence in America's Navy. Information Professionals who oversee the seamless operation of the global Naval network environment are key...

See all Computer Hardware Engineer jobs

What Computer Hardware Engineers Do[About this section] [To Top]

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.

Duties of Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers typically do the following:

• Design new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer equipment to be built
• Test the computer hardware they design
• Analyze the test results and modify the design as needed
• Update existing computer equipment so that it will work with new software
• Oversee the manufacturing process for computer hardware

Many hardware engineers design devices used in manufactured products that incorporate processors and other computer components and that connect to the Internet. For example, many new cars, home appliances, and medical devices have Internet-ready computer systems built into them.

Computer hardware engineers ensure that computer hardware components work together with the latest software. Therefore, hardware engineers often work with software developers. For example, the hardware and software for mobile phones and other devices frequently are developed at the same time.

Work Environment for Computer Hardware Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Computer hardware engineers hold about 76,900 jobs. The largest employers of computer hardware engineers are as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	22%
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	9%
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing	12%
Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing	5%
Federal government	8%

Computer Hardware Engineer Work Schedules

Most computer hardware engineers work full time.

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer[About this section] [To Top]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Computer Hardware Engineers near you!

Most computer hardware engineers need a bachelor's degree from an accredited computer engineering program.

Education for Computer Hardware Engineers

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering or computer science also is generally acceptable. A computer engineering major is similar to a major in electrical engineering but with a heavy emphasis on computer science.

Many engineering programs are accredited by ABET. Employers may prefer candidates who have graduated from an accredited program. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should have a solid background in math and science.

Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is usually expected. This background may be obtained through computer science courses.

Some large firms or specialized jobs may require a master's degree in computer engineering. Some experienced engineers obtain a master's degree in business administration (MBA). All engineers must continue their learning over the course of their careers in order to keep up with rapid advances in technology.

Other Experience for Computer Hardware Engineers

Some students participate in internships while in school so that they can gain practical experience.

Advancement for Computer Hardware Engineers

Some computer hardware engineers can advance to become computer and information systems managers.

Important Qualities for Computer Hardware Engineers

Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design.

Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.

Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.

Communication skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers, software developers and programmers, as well as with nontechnical team members.

Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]

The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers is $128,170. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.

The median annual wages for computer hardware engineers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	$164,980
Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing	$131,560
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing	$127,690
Computer systems design and related services	$127,690
Federal government	$119,770

Most computer hardware engineers work full time.

Job Outlook for Computer Hardware Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 5,300 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment of Computer Hardware Engineers

Demand for these engineers is expected to grow as more industries outside of the computer and electronic product manufacturing industry begin to research and develop their own electronic devices. However, centralized computing and networking services may mean fewer engineers will be needed because these worksites cover large networks and geographic areas.

An increase in hardware startup firms and the ongoing increase in the number of devices with computer chips embedded in them, such as household appliances, medical devices, and automobiles, may also lead to some job growth for these workers.

Employment projections data for Computer Hardware Engineers, 2021-31

Occupational Title	Employment, 2021	Projected Employment, 2031	Change, 2021-31
			Percent	Numeric
Computer hardware engineers	76,900	80,600	5	3,700

Careers Related to Computer Hardware Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers.

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.

Software Developers

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

More Computer Hardware Engineer Information[About this section] [To Top]

For more information about computer hardware engineers, visit

Association for Computing Machinery

IEEE Computer Society

For more information about ABET-accredited college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, visit

ABET