📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · Medium Demand
Average
$138,360
per year
Median
$134,170
per year
Hourly
$66.52
per hour
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$88,113
25th Percentile — Junior$114,405
50th Percentile — Median$134,170
75th Percentile — Senior$173,562
90th Percentile — Top Earners$195,960
💡 The top 10% of Computer Hardware Engineerss earn $195,960 or more per year. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $88,113, with significant growth over the first 5 years.
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$118.2k
2021
$122.0k
2022
$125.9k
2023
$129.9k
2024
$134.1k
2025
$138.4k
2026
📈 Computer Hardware Engineers salaries have grown 3.2% year-over-year. Since 2020, the average salary has increased by approximately $20,161.
Salary by State
Geographic salary comparison
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $214,458 | +55.0% | Medium |
| District of Columbia | $210,307 | +52.0% | Medium |
| California | $196,471 | +42.0% | Medium |
| New York | $190,937 | +38.0% | Medium |
| Alaska | $182,635 | +32.0% | Medium |
| Massachusetts | $179,868 | +30.0% | Medium |
| New Jersey | $177,101 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Washington | $172,950 | +25.0% | Medium |
| Connecticut | $168,799 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Maryland | $159,114 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $159,114 | +15.0% | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $157,730 | +14.0% | Medium |
| Oregon | $154,963 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Colorado | $152,196 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Virginia | $152,196 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Vermont | $149,429 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Delaware | $145,278 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Illinois | $145,278 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Maine | $141,127 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Nevada | $141,127 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Minnesota | $138,360 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Utah | $138,360 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Arizona | $136,976 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Pennsylvania | $136,976 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Florida | $135,593 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Montana | $131,442 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Texas | $131,442 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Georgia | $128,675 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Idaho | $128,675 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Wyoming | $128,675 | -7.0% | Medium |
| North Dakota | $127,291 | -8.0% | Medium |
| Wisconsin | $127,291 | -8.0% | Medium |
| North Carolina | $125,908 | -9.0% | Medium |
| Michigan | $124,524 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Louisiana | $121,757 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Nebraska | $121,757 | -12.0% | Medium |
| New Mexico | $121,757 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Ohio | $121,757 | -12.0% | Medium |
| South Carolina | $121,757 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Tennessee | $121,757 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Alabama | $120,373 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Missouri | $120,373 | -13.0% | Medium |
| South Dakota | $120,373 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Iowa | $118,990 | -14.0% | Medium |
| Indiana | $117,606 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Kansas | $117,606 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $116,222 | -16.0% | Medium |
| Arkansas | $114,839 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Kentucky | $114,839 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Mississippi | $110,688 | -20.0% | Medium |
| West Virginia | $107,921 | -22.0% | Medium |
What Factors Affect Computer Hardware Engineers Salary?
Key factors affecting compensation
A Computer Hardware Engineers's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Computer Hardware Engineerss typically earn $88,113–$114,405 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $173,562–$195,960 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Computer Hardware Engineers role currently has medium demand in the job market with a 3.2% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Engineering sector.
🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
-
What is the average salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers?The average salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in the United States is $138,360 per year, with a median of $134,170.
-
What is the starting salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers?Entry-level Computer Hardware Engineerss typically earn between $88,113 and $114,405 per year depending on location and employer.
-
What state pays Computer Hardware Engineerss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Computer Hardware Engineerss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
-
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $138,360, a Computer Hardware Engineers earns approximately $66.52 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
-
Is Computer Hardware Engineers a good career in 2026?Yes — the Computer Hardware Engineers role has medium demand with 3.2% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.
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