Hardware Engineers


Overview

Introduction

Hardware engineers design, build, and test computer hardware (such as computer chips and circuit boards) and computer systems. They also work with peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, modems, and monitors, among others, as well as with virtual and augmented reality technology and gaming technologies. Hardware engineers are employed by a variety of companies, some of which specialize in business, accounting, science, or engineering. Most hardware engineers have a degree in computer science or engineering or an equivalent co...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$138,080

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


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Experience

Internship and on-the-job training


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Skills

Computer|Math|Scientific


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Personality Traits

Problem-Solving|Scientific|Technical

Earnings

Bachelors degree candidates in engineering received average salary offers of $76,736 in late 2024, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median annual earnings of hardware engineers were $138,080 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $81,630 to $212,770 or more.

Job perks, besides the usual benefit package ...

Work Environment

Most hardware engineers work full time, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Long hours and weekend work is common with some positions. Contrary to popular perceptions, hardware engineers do not spend their workdays cooped up in their offices. Instead, they spend the majority of their time meeting, planning, and working with various staff members from different levels of management and te...

Outlook

Employment in hardware engineering will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Strong growth will occur at management consulting services firms (where employment is expected to increase by 11 percent) through 2033, much faster than the average) because manufacturers are increasingly contracting out hardware design. Additio...

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