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
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Bachelor's degree candidates in engineering received average starting salary offers of $69,961 in late 2019, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median annual earnings of hardware engineers were $114,600 in May 2018. Salaries ranged from less than $66,700 to $172,630.
Job perks, besides the usual benefit packag...
Work Environment
Approximately 25 percent of hardware engineers work more than 40 hours a week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 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 lev...
Outlook
Employment in hardware engineering will grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Strong growth will occur at management, scientific, and technical consulting services firms (where employment is expected to increase 21.5 percent) because manufacturers are increasingly contracting out hardware design. Additional gro...
