Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Minnesota
Based on 770+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$134,300
$64.57/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $176K
770 employed in Minnesota
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Minnesota averages $134,300 annually, placing the state 3% above the national average. With approximately 770 hardware engineers employed across Minnesota, the field offers competitive compensation for skilled professionals. Salaries in this region range from $84,770 to $176,340, reflecting the varying experience levels and specializations within the field.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Minnesota, including years of experience, educational background, and employer size. Engineers working for large technology companies or defense contractors typically earn higher wages than those in smaller firms. Geographic location within the state, specific technical expertise, and industry sector also play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages for hardware engineers.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,770 |
| 25th percentile | $106,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,300 |
| 75th percentile | $158,450 |
| 90th percentile | $176,340 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,770 |
| 2023 | $112,110 |
| 2024 | $130,530 |
| 2025 | $134,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,179 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,770 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $112,110 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $130,530 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $134,300 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,179 | $133,923 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $158,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $176,340 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($134,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MN | $176,380 | +31.3% | $84.80/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in MN | $135,850 | +1.2% | $65.31/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MN | $133,270 | -0.8% | $64.07/hr |
| Database Administrator in MN | $133,050 | -0.9% | $63.97/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MN | $130,710 | -2.7% | $62.84/hr |
| Software Developer in MN | $130,050 | -3.2% | $62.52/hr |
| Data Scientist in MN | $128,800 | -4.1% | $61.92/hr |
| Computer Programmer in MN | $107,250 | -20.1% | $51.56/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in MN | $106,350 | -20.8% | $51.13/hr |
| Network Administrator in MN | $101,870 | -24.1% | $48.98/hr |
| Web Developer in MN | $101,020 | -24.8% | $48.57/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in MN | $95,550 | -28.9% | $45.94/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for computer hardware engineers in Minnesota is $134,300 per year, or approximately $65 per hour. This is 3.2% higher than the national average, making Minnesota a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for hardware engineers in Minnesota?
- Computer hardware engineers in Minnesota earn between $84,770 and $176,340 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career progression and specialization within the field.
Is Minnesota a good state for computer hardware engineer jobs?
- Yes, Minnesota offers above-average compensation for computer hardware engineers, with salaries 3.2% higher than the national average. The state currently employs 770 computer hardware engineers, indicating a stable job market in this field.
What do entry-level hardware engineers earn compared to experienced ones in Minnesota?
- Entry-level computer hardware engineers in Minnesota can expect to earn around $84,770, while experienced professionals at the top of the range make up to $176,340 annually. The median salary of $134,300 represents the midpoint for established professionals in the state.