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
How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology. Computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field.
Education
Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as electrical engineering. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should have a solid background in math and science. Bachelor’s degree programs may include academic and laboratory coursework in subjects such as circuit design and computer and operating systems organization. Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer programming is helpful. This background may be obtained through computer science courses. Students may participate in internships while in school so that they can gain practical experience. Some employers require or prefer that job candidates have a master’s degree in computer engineering. All engineers must continue their learning over the course of their careers to keep up with rapid advances in technology. Advancement Some computer hardware engineers can advance to become engineering managers.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. Employment Demand for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow, as these workers are needed to design parts for manufactured products that use processors and other components, such as household appliances, medical devices, and automobiles. Computer Hardware Engineers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Computer hardware engineers 9% Engineers 8% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Computer Hardware Engineers Do
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computers and related equipment, such as processors, circuit boards, and memory devices.
Duties
Computer hardware engineers typically do the following:
- Design new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer equipment to be built
- Test the computer hardware after design or installation
- Analyze the test results and modify the design as needed
- Create detailed documentation for hardware design and testing procedures
- Update existing computer equipment so that it will work with new software
- Oversee the manufacturing process for computer hardware
Computer hardware engineers begin the process of designing computers and related equipment by identifying the need for a product or soliciting feedback from customers. Computer hardware engineers will then draft schematics or engineering diagrams. These workers test the products that they design throughout the development process and after installation. Some computer hardware engineers help to oversee the manufacturing process.
Computer hardware engineers ensure that computer hardware components work together with the latest software. Therefore, hardware engineers often work with software developers. For example, the hardware and software for mobile phones and other devices frequently are developed at the same time.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Computer hardware engineers held about 76,100 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of computer hardware engineers were as follows:
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 24% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 18 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 15 |
| Information | 7 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 6 |
Computer hardware engineers work in a variety of settings. For example, some work in research laboratories where they build and test different types of computer models. Others may work in a manufacturing setting.
Work Schedules
Most computer hardware engineers work full time.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Computer hardware engineers often work on teams and must be able to convey complex information, both orally and in writing, to technical and nontechnical audiences. Computer skills. Computer hardware engineers use computer-aided design software to perform engineering tasks. They also may need a working knowledge of programming languages. Critical-thinking skills. Computer hardware engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions. Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.
More Information
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.
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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.