Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
how much Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
Computer hardware engineers are
professionals responsible for designing developing and testing computer
hardware including computer chips circuit boards routers and other related
devices. They play a crucial role in the development of computer technology and
their work is essential in advancing computer hardware technology.
One of the significant factors
that affect a person’s career choice is salary. In this article we will look at
the computer hardware engineer’s salary including their job description
educational requirements and potential earnings.
Job Description of a Computer Hardware Engineer
The primary responsibility of a
computer hardware engineer is to design develop and test computer hardware.
Their work includes developing and improving computer chips circuit boards
routers and other hardware components. They use various tools and software to
create and test prototypes of computer hardware troubleshoot hardware problems
and oversee the production process.
A computer hardware engineer
typically works in a team with other professionals including software engineers’
electrical engineers and computer scientists. They collaborate to ensure that
the hardware and software work seamlessly together.
Educational Requirements
To become a computer hardware engineer,
you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering
electrical engineering or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates
with a master’s degree in computer engineering or a related field.
In addition to a degree computer
hardware engineers need to have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
as well as strong communication and teamwork skills. They also need to be
familiar with computer programming languages and various computer hardware and
software systems.
Salary of a Computer Hardware Engineer
According to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) the median annual wage for computer hardware engineers
was $119560 as of May 2020. However, the salary for computer hardware engineers
can vary based on several factors including experience location and industry.
Experience
Like most professions computer
hardware engineers’ salaries increase as they gain more experience. According
to PayScale the average salary for a computer hardware engineer with less than
one year of experience is $66000 per year while those with five to nine years
of experience can earn an average of $98000 per year. Computer hardware
engineers with ten to nineteen years of experience can earn an average salary
of $118000 per year while those with over 20 years of experience can earn an
average of $136000 per year.
Location
The location of the job also
plays a significant role in determining the salary of a computer hardware
engineer. According to the BLS the top-paying states for computer hardware
engineers as of May 2020 were:
1.
California – $147570 per year
2.
Oregon – $136430 per year
3.
Massachusetts – $134720 per year
4.
Arizona – $129640 per year
5.
Virginia – $128760 per year
Industries
The industry in which a computer
hardware engineer works can also affect their salary. According to the BLS the
top-paying industries for computer hardware engineers as of May 2020 were:
- Research
and development in the physical engineering and life sciences – $143250
per year - Computer
and peripheral equipment manufacturing – $138290 per year - Semiconductor
and other electronic component manufacturing – $133630 per year - Computer
systems design and related services – $117920 per year - Aerospace
product and parts manufacturing – $113580 per year
Salary Trends
The salary of computer hardware
engineers has increased significantly over the years. According to the BLS the
median annual wage for computer hardware engineers in 2000 was $71970. This
means that the median salary for computer hardware engineers has increased by
66.2% over the past 20 years.
The salary trend for computer hardware
engineers is expected to continue to grow over the next decade. The BLS
predicts that employment of computer hardware engineers will grow by 2% from
2019 to 2029 which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This
growth is driven by the increasing demand for computer hardware in various
industries including healthcare automotive and manufacturing.
However, it is important to note
that the salary of a computer hardware engineer can also depend on the overall
state of the economy. Economic downturns can affect the demand for computer
hardware which can in turn affect the job prospects and salaries of computer
hardware engineers.
Conclusion
In summary computer hardware
engineers play a crucial role in the development and advancement of computer
hardware technology. Their salaries can vary based on several factors including
experience location and industry. According to the BLS the median annual wage
for computer hardware engineers was $119560 as of May 2020. The salary trend
for computer hardware engineers has been increasing over the years and is
expected to continue to grow in the future driven by the increasing demand for
computer hardware in various industries.
