📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$196,471
per year
Median
$190,521
per year
Hourly
$94.46
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$125,121
25th Percentile — Junior$162,455
50th Percentile — Median$190,521
75th Percentile — Senior$246,458
90th Percentile — Top Earners$278,263
💡 Top-earning Computer Hardware Engineerss in California make up to $278,263 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$167.8k
2021
$173.2k
2022
$178.8k
2023
$184.5k
2024
$190.4k
2025
$196.5k
2026
📈 Computer Hardware Engineers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Computer Hardware Engineers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $304,530 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $290,777 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $337,930 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $363,471 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $212,189 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $239,695 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $284,883 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $212,189 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $278,989 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $275,059 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $251,483 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $231,836 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $304,530 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $231,836 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $220,048 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $239,695 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $225,942 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $290,777 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $314,354 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Computer Hardware Engineers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Computer Hardware Engineerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $196,471 per year, California's Computer Hardware Engineers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $125,121–$162,455, while experienced Computer Hardware Engineerss can command $246,458–$278,263.

Looking ahead, the Computer Hardware Engineers profession in California is projected to grow at 3.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Computer Hardware Engineers salary in California is $196,471 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $138,360.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Computer Hardware Engineerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Computer Hardware Engineers employment.
  • At $196,471/year, California Computer Hardware Engineers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $138,360/year.