Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. PayThe median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $161,740 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,100 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer hardware engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $161,740 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,100 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer hardware engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,100 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer hardware engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computers and related equipment.
Work Environment
Computer hardware engineers work in a variety of settings, such as laboratories and manufacturing facilities. Most work full time.
How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $161,740 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 4,100 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer hardware engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Computer hardware engineers work in a variety of settings, such as laboratories and manufacturing facilities. Most work full time.
How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $161,740 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 4,100 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer hardware engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer hardware engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about computer hardware engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.