Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 1K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$134,670
$64.75/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+3.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $234K
1K employed in North Carolina
The median Computer Hardware Engineer salary in North Carolina is an impressive $134,670 per year, placing it 3% above the national average. With 1,340 workers currently employed in this field within the state, North Carolina offers a strong and competitive environment for hardware engineering professionals.
Several factors influence the Computer Hardware Engineer salary in North Carolina, including experience level, specific industry, and the size and type of employer. The salary range for these professionals spans from $74,310 to $234,390, reflecting the diverse opportunities and demands within the state's technology sector.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,310 |
| 25th percentile | $95,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,670 |
| 75th percentile | $178,360 |
| 90th percentile | $234,390 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,450 |
| 2023 | $131,010 |
| 2024 | $131,600 |
| 2025 | $134,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,812 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,450 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $131,010 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $131,600 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $134,670 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,812 | $133,201 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $178,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $234,390 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($134,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in NC | $172,860 | +28.4% | $83.11/hr |
| Software Developer in NC | $134,710 | +0.0% | $64.76/hr |
| Database Administrator in NC | $134,630 | -0.0% | $64.73/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in NC | $131,540 | -2.3% | $63.24/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in NC | $128,370 | -4.7% | $61.72/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in NC | $127,320 | -5.5% | $61.21/hr |
| Data Scientist in NC | $119,090 | -11.6% | $57.25/hr |
| Statistician in NC | $115,690 | -14.1% | $55.62/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in NC | $106,850 | -20.7% | $51.37/hr |
| Software Engineer in NC | $104,850 | -22.1% | $50.41/hr |
| Data Analyst in NC | $101,850 | -24.4% | $48.97/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in NC | $97,990 | -27.2% | $47.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineer make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineer in North Carolina is $134,670 per year, which is equivalent to $65 per hour. The salary range falls between $74,310 and $234,390 annually.
What is the average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in NC compared to the national average?
- Computer Hardware Engineers in North Carolina earn 3.5% more than the national average. This means their median salary of $134,670 annually is higher than the national figure.
What is the typical salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, Computer Hardware Engineers can expect to earn a salary between $74,310 on the lower end and up to $234,390 at the higher end. The median salary sits comfortably at $134,670 per year.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,340 Computer Hardware Engineers employed in North Carolina. This makes it a significant state for this profession, with a median salary of $134,670 annually.