Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 2K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$169,120
$81.31/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+29.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $260K
2K employed in Washington
Discover the earning potential for a Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Washington, where the median annual income stands at a robust $169,120. This figure significantly outpaces the national average, sitting 30% higher, and reflects the strong demand within the state's thriving tech industry. Currently, approximately 1,800 professionals are employed in this specialized role across Washington.
Several elements contribute to the compensation for a Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Washington. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned engineers commanding higher salaries. Additionally, the specific industry sector, such as aerospace or consumer electronics, and the size and success of the employing company can also influence earning potential within the observed range of $100,120 to $260,210.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,120 |
| 25th percentile | $132,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $169,120 |
| 75th percentile | $210,230 |
| 90th percentile | $260,210 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,680 |
| 2023 | $155,620 |
| 2024 | $174,070 |
| 2025 | $169,120 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,120 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,680 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $155,620 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $174,070 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $169,120 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,120 | $130,164 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $132,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $169,120 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $210,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $260,210 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($169,120 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in WA | $209,370 | +23.8% | $100.66/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in WA | $202,400 | +19.7% | $97.31/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in WA | $168,070 | -0.6% | $80.80/hr |
| Software Developer in WA | $166,540 | -1.5% | $80.07/hr |
| Data Scientist in WA | $163,350 | -3.4% | $78.53/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in WA | $154,940 | -8.4% | $74.49/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in WA | $133,480 | -21.1% | $64.17/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in WA | $130,480 | -22.8% | $62.73/hr |
| Web Developer in WA | $130,440 | -22.9% | $62.71/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in WA | $129,410 | -23.5% | $62.22/hr |
| Software Engineer in WA | $128,940 | -23.8% | $61.99/hr |
| Database Administrator in WA | $128,760 | -23.9% | $61.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineer make in Washington?
- The median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineer in Washington is $169,120 per year, which is equivalent to $81 per hour. The salary range in Washington typically falls between $100,120 and $260,210 annually.
What is the average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington compared to the national average?
- Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with their median salary being 29.9% higher. This means the median annual salary in Washington ($169,120) is considerably above the national median.
Is Washington a good state for Computer Hardware Engineers in terms of job demand?
- Washington has a notable presence of Computer Hardware Engineers, with approximately 1,800 individuals employed in this role. This indicates a solid job market for the profession within the state.
What is the typical salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington?
- The salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington is quite broad, with most professionals earning between $100,120 and $260,210 per year. The median salary sits at $169,120 annually.