Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in California
Based on 20K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$185,180
$89.03/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+42.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$127K – $281K
20K employed in California
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in California averages $185,180 per year, positioning the state as a premier destination for professionals in this field. With approximately 19,820 hardware engineers employed across California, the state offers substantial opportunities for those designing and developing computer components and systems. This median salary sits 42% above the national average, reflecting the state's competitive tech market.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization within hardware design. Geographic location within the state, company size, and industry sector—whether aerospace, consumer electronics, or semiconductor manufacturing—also significantly impact compensation. Engineers working for established tech firms or in high-demand specializations typically command higher salaries within the state's $126,590 to $281,210 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $126,590 |
| 25th percentile | $150,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $185,180 |
| 75th percentile | $219,980 |
| 90th percentile | $281,210 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $164,990 |
| 2023 | $169,700 |
| 2024 | $179,880 |
| 2025 | $185,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $190,636 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $164,990 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $169,700 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $179,880 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $185,180 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $190,636 | $133,999 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $150,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $185,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $219,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $281,210 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($185,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in CA | $218,290 | +17.9% | $104.95/hr |
| Data Analyst in CA | $180,500 | -2.5% | $86.78/hr |
| Software Developer in CA | $174,410 | -5.8% | $83.85/hr |
| Database Administrator in CA | $170,160 | -8.1% | $81.81/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in CA | $159,100 | -14.1% | $76.49/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in CA | $158,870 | -14.2% | $76.38/hr |
| Data Scientist in CA | $141,590 | -23.5% | $68.07/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CA | $138,570 | -25.2% | $66.62/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in CA | $136,110 | -26.5% | $65.44/hr |
| Statistician in CA | $135,960 | -26.6% | $65.37/hr |
| Software Engineer in CA | $134,440 | -27.4% | $64.63/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in CA | $130,540 | -29.5% | $62.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in California?
- The median salary for computer hardware engineers in California is $185,180 per year, or $89 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 42.3% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for hardware engineers in California?
- Computer hardware engineers in California earn between $126,590 and $281,210 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specialization. This wide range reflects the diversity of roles and skill levels within the field.
Is California a good state for computer hardware engineer jobs?
- Yes, California offers exceptional compensation for hardware engineers, with salaries averaging 42.3% above the national average at a median of $185,180 per year. The state employs 19,820 computer hardware engineers, providing substantial career opportunities.
How many computer hardware engineer jobs are available in California?
- There are currently 19,820 computer hardware engineers employed in California, making it a significant hub for this profession. The state's tech industry concentration supports a robust job market for hardware engineering positions.