Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Alabama
Based on 680+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$136,990
$65.86/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+5.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $195K
680 employed in Alabama
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Alabama averages $136,660 per year, positioning the state notably above the national average at 8% higher. With approximately 800 hardware engineers currently employed across Alabama, the field offers competitive compensation reflecting strong regional demand for technical expertise in this specialized discipline.
Salary variations for Computer Hardware Engineer positions in Alabama depend on several factors including years of experience, educational background, specific technical skills, and employer type. Engineers working for larger corporations or defense contractors typically earn higher wages than those in smaller firms. Geographic location within Alabama, industry sector, and individual certifications also significantly influence earning potential within this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,680 |
| 25th percentile | $107,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,990 |
| 75th percentile | $163,750 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer Hardware Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer Hardware Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer Hardware Engineers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $169,030 | 6K |
| Finance and Insurance | $167,190 | 290 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $165,530 | 4K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $165,350 | 30K |
| Manufacturing | $161,530 | 26K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Hardware Engineer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,150 |
| 2023 | $132,930 |
| 2024 | $136,660 |
| 2025 | $136,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,321 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,150 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $132,930 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $136,660 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $136,990 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,321 | $130,478 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($136,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in AL | $138,670 | +1.2% | $66.67/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in AL | $130,810 | -4.5% | $62.89/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AL | $122,730 | -10.4% | $59.00/hr |
| Software Developer in AL | $122,540 | -10.5% | $58.91/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in AL | $117,870 | -14.0% | $56.67/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in AL | $115,630 | -15.6% | $55.59/hr |
| Software Engineer in AL | $106,330 | -22.4% | $51.12/hr |
| Database Administrator in AL | $105,450 | -23.0% | $50.70/hr |
| Data Scientist in AL | $103,120 | -24.7% | $49.58/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in AL | $101,770 | -25.7% | $48.93/hr |
| Computer Programmer in AL | $93,800 | -31.5% | $45.10/hr |
| Network Administrator in AL | $81,400 | -40.6% | $39.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in Alabama?
- Computer hardware engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $136,660 per year, or $66 per hour. This is 7.8% higher than the national average, making it a competitive field in the state.
What is the salary range for hardware engineers in Alabama?
- The salary range for computer hardware engineers in Alabama spans from $79,480 to $187,030 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and employer size.
Is the hardware engineer salary in Alabama above the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's computer hardware engineer median salary of $136,660 is 7.8% higher than the national average. This makes Alabama a favorable location for professionals in this field.
How many computer hardware engineers work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 800 computer hardware engineers employed in Alabama. This represents a stable job market for this specialized technical profession in the state.