Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 67K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$130,164
$62.58/hr
▲ 2.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$85K – $190K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
67K
workers nationwide
The median Computer Hardware Engineer salary in the United States is $130,164 annually, which equates to approximately $63 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this field, with the typical salary range falling between $84,543 and $189,615. This data provides a valuable benchmark for understanding compensation in this specialized engineering sector.
Several factors significantly influence the Computer Hardware Engineer salary in the United States. Location plays a crucial role, with top-paying states like California offering higher average compensation. Experience level, specific skills, the size and type of employer, and the overall demand for hardware engineers also contribute to variations in earning potential. These elements collectively shape an individual's pay.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,543 |
| 25th percentile | $103,629 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,164 |
| 75th percentile | $160,448 |
| 90th percentile | $189,615 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Computer Hardware Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $185,180 | +42.3% | 20K |
| 2 | Washington | $169,120 | +29.9% | 2K |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $167,600 | +28.8% | 3K |
| 4 | New Mexico | $165,350 | +27.0% | 5K |
| 5 | Texas | $163,860 | +25.9% | 7K |
| 6 | New York | $163,470 | +25.6% | 3K |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $163,360 | +25.5% | 210 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $159,880 | +22.8% | 90 |
| 9 | Arizona | $158,280 | +21.6% | 3K |
| 10 | Colorado | $156,080 | +19.9% | 3K |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Computer Hardware Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Information pays the most ($169,030 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information | $169,030 | +29.9% | 6K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $167,190 | +28.4% | 290 |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $165,530 | +27.2% | 4K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $165,350 | +27.0% | 30K |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $161,530 | +24.1% | 26K |
| 6 | Wholesale Trade | $148,490 | +14.1% | 4K |
| 7 | Construction | $142,650 | +9.6% | 50 |
| 8 | Utilities | $142,610 | +9.6% | 60 |
| 9 | Administrative and Support Services | $137,940 | +6.0% | 1K |
| 10 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $136,990 | +5.2% | 5K |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $131,700 | +1.2% | — |
| 12 | Educational Services | $97,960 | -24.7% | 150 |
| 13 | Transportation and Warehousing | $96,340 | -26.0% | 160 |
| 14 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $78,240 | -39.9% | 110 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Computer Hardware Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Computer Hardware Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Hardware Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,601 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,629 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,164 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $160,448 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $189,615 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Computer Hardware Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineer in the United States is $130,164 per year. This means half of all professionals in this role earn more, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers?
- The salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers in the US typically spans from $84,543 to $189,615 annually. Entry-level positions would be at the lower end, while experienced engineers could reach the higher end of this spectrum.
Which state pays the most for Computer Hardware Engineers?
- California is the top-paying state for Computer Hardware Engineers, with an average annual salary of $185,180. This reflects the high concentration of tech companies and the demand for specialized talent in the state.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 66,950 Computer Hardware Engineers employed across the United States. This indicates a significant demand for professionals in this field, contributing to the competitive salary landscape.