Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 63K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$126,815
$60.969/hr
▲ 6.9% vs 2023Salary Range
$98K – $199K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
63K
workers nationwide
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in the United States averages $126,815 annually, reflecting strong compensation for this specialized technical field. With approximately 62,980 workers employed in this role nationwide, hardware engineers command competitive wages that recognize their expertise in designing and developing computer components and systems.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary outcomes across different regions and employers. Experience level, educational credentials, industry sector, and geographic location significantly impact earning potential. Engineers working in tech hubs or for major corporations typically earn toward the higher end of the $97,530 to $199,140 range, while those in emerging markets or smaller companies may fall closer to the lower threshold.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $97,530 |
| 25th percentile | $155,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,815 |
| 75th percentile | $188,540 |
| 90th percentile | $199,140 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Computer Hardware Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $188,540 | +48.7% | 480 |
| 2 | California | $179,880 | +41.8% | 24K |
| 3 | Washington | $174,070 | +37.3% | 1K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $170,570 | +34.5% | 3K |
| 5 | Arizona | $163,090 | +28.6% | 3K |
| 6 | Colorado | $162,920 | +28.5% | 3K |
| 7 | Hawaii | $155,390 | +22.5% | 140 |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $153,630 | +21.1% | 160 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | $152,840 | +20.5% | 290 |
| 10 | New York | $141,780 | +11.8% | 3K |
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Hardware Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $126,815 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Computer hardware engineers earn a median hourly rate of $61/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $126,815, with hourly rates varying based on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for computer hardware engineers?
- Computer hardware engineer salaries in the United States range from $97,530 to $199,140 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and industry sector.
Which state pays computer hardware engineers the most?
- Connecticut offers the highest salaries for computer hardware engineers, with a top paying average of $188,540 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $126,815.
How many computer hardware engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 62,980 computer hardware engineers employed throughout the United States. This represents the total workforce in this field across all states and industries.