Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Iowa
Based on 130+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$125,120
$60.15/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
-3.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $188K
130 employed in Iowa
The median Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Iowa is $125,120 per year, with approximately 130 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure sits 4% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in this field range from $77,480 to $187,980 annually, demonstrating considerable variation based on individual qualifications and employer size.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Larger technology companies and specialized firms typically offer higher compensation than smaller operations. Geographic location within Iowa, industry sector, and specific technical expertise in areas like semiconductor design or systems architecture also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,480 |
| 25th percentile | $106,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,120 |
| 75th percentile | $161,740 |
| 90th percentile | $187,980 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $87,950 |
| 2023 | $99,990 |
| 2024 | $111,080 |
| 2025 | $125,120 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,627 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $87,950 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $99,990 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $111,080 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $125,120 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,627 | $137,974 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,120 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $161,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $187,980 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($125,120 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IA | $143,780 | +14.9% | $69.13/hr |
| Database Administrator in IA | $124,040 | -0.9% | $59.63/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IA | $119,710 | -4.3% | $57.55/hr |
| Software Developer in IA | $114,890 | -8.2% | $55.24/hr |
| Software Engineer in IA | $107,340 | -14.2% | $51.61/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in IA | $103,050 | -17.6% | $49.54/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IA | $95,920 | -23.3% | $46.12/hr |
| Data Scientist in IA | $95,830 | -23.4% | $46.07/hr |
| Network Administrator in IA | $84,500 | -32.5% | $40.63/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in IA | $80,580 | -35.6% | $38.74/hr |
| Statistician in IA | $80,150 | -35.9% | $38.53/hr |
| Computer Programmer in IA | $79,180 | -36.7% | $38.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in Iowa?
- Computer hardware engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $125,120 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 3.9% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for hardware engineers in Iowa?
- Hardware engineers in Iowa can expect salaries ranging from $77,480 at the lower end to $187,980 at the higher end, representing a significant spread based on experience and specialization.
Is computer hardware engineering a well-paying job in Iowa?
- Yes, with a median salary of $125,120 annually, computer hardware engineering is a well-compensated career in Iowa, though it pays slightly less than the national average at 3.9% below.
How many computer hardware engineers work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 130 computer hardware engineers employed in Iowa, representing a relatively specialized workforce in the state.