Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 210+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$163,360
$78.54/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+25.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $212K
210 employed in District of Columbia
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in District of Columbia averages $163,360 annually, positioning the nation's capital well above typical compensation levels. With approximately 210 hardware engineers employed in the district, this median salary reflects a 26% premium compared to the national average, making it an attractive market for professionals in this specialized field.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary in District of Columbia, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Government agencies and defense contractors in the area often offer competitive compensation packages, while specialized expertise in emerging technologies can command higher wages. The cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in the region's tech sector also contribute to the elevated salary range of $100,690 to $211,950.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,690 |
| 25th percentile | $136,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $163,360 |
| 75th percentile | $195,190 |
| 90th percentile | $211,950 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,690 |
| 2023 | $138,670 |
| 2024 | $153,630 |
| 2025 | $163,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $173,162 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,690 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $138,670 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $153,630 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $163,360 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $173,162 | $137,974 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $136,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $163,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $211,950 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($163,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in DC | $195,190 | +19.5% | $93.84/hr |
| Software Engineer in DC | $156,590 | -4.1% | $75.28/hr |
| Database Administrator in DC | $150,010 | -8.2% | $72.12/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in DC | $144,190 | -11.7% | $69.32/hr |
| Statistician in DC | $140,670 | -13.9% | $67.63/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in DC | $137,670 | -15.7% | $66.19/hr |
| Software Developer in DC | $136,880 | -16.2% | $65.81/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in DC | $135,090 | -17.3% | $64.95/hr |
| Data Scientist in DC | $126,490 | -22.6% | $60.81/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in DC | $116,820 | -28.5% | $56.16/hr |
| Web Developer in DC | $114,690 | -29.8% | $55.14/hr |
| Network Administrator in DC | $110,970 | -32.1% | $53.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in Washington DC?
- Computer hardware engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $163,360 per year, or $79 per hour. This is 25.5% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for computer hardware engineers in DC?
- The salary range for computer hardware engineers in District of Columbia spans from $100,690 at the lower end to $211,950 at the higher end, reflecting different experience levels and specializations.
Is computer hardware engineer a well-paying job in Washington DC?
- Yes, computer hardware engineers in Washington DC are well-compensated compared to the national average, earning a median of $163,360 annually, which represents a significant 25.5% premium over the national median.
How many computer hardware engineers work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 210 computer hardware engineers currently employed in District of Columbia, indicating a moderate but established job market in the region.