Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in U.S. (2024)
Computer Hardware Engineers in U.S. make a median of $155,020 a year, or about $74.53 an hour. The range runs from $85K at the entry level to $224K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $155K get you in U.S.?
About computer hardware engineers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level computer hardware engineers (10th percentile) start around $85K. Mid-career wages sit at $155K.Top earners bring in $224K or more - a $138K spread from bottom to top.
Computer Hardware Engineers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $189K | +22% | 480 |
| California | $180K | +16% | 24,200 |
| Washington | $174K | +12% | 1,370 |
| Massachusetts | $171K | +10% | 3,350 |
| Arizona | $163K | +5% | 3,390 |
| Hawaii | $155K | +0% | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $154K | -1% | 160 |
| New Hampshire | $153K | -1% | 290 |
| New York | $142K | -9% | 2,500 |
| Montana | $142K | -9% | 50 |
| Virginia | $140K | -10% | 1,840 |
| Maryland | $138K | -11% | 2,420 |
| Alabama | $137K | -12% | 800 |
| Alaska | $136K | -12% | 40 |
| Texas | $133K | -14% | 3,380 |
Track computer hardware engineers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in U.S.?
The median is $155,020 a year - that works out to about $74.53 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $85,430, and experienced computer hardware engineers can clear $223,820. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $155K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,726/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 14.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a computer hardware engineers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median computer hardware engineers salary is worth about $155,020 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do computer hardware engineers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.