Computer hardware engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$155,020
~$75/hr · ~$12,918/mo
US Jobs
77K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
8/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 8/10
The core work of designing schematics, analyzing circuits, and testing components is increasingly performed using digital Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools that are highly susceptible to AI-driven optimization and automation. While there is a physical component to testing and manufacturing oversight, the vast majority of the engineering lifecycle is digital and benefits significantly from AI's ability to optimize complex systems and generate code/hardware descriptions.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJBEST VALUE | $184,560 | Average (98.9) | $186,650 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $188,540 | Above avg (107.0) | $176,187 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $197,090 | Above avg (113.1) | $174,325 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $159,310 | Below avg (91.6) | $173,915 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $165,020 | Average (97.3) | $169,585 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $164,640 | Average (97.3) | $169,127 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $170,360 | Above avg (105.6) | $161,292 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $142,890 | Below avg (91.2) | $156,688 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $163,220 | Above avg (104.7) | $155,929 |
| Binghamton, NY | $143,420 | Below avg (92.1) | $155,739 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $146,450 | Below avg (94.3) | $155,256 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $170,570 | Above avg (110.4) | $154,512 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $174,070 | Above avg (112.7) | $154,412 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $150,630 | Average (98.3) | $153,272 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $169,230 | Above avg (110.7) | $152,816 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+7% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$75/hr
Monthly Income
~$12,918/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)