What is a Computer Hardware Engineer?
Job Description & Duties Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Life As a Computer Hardware Engineer
- Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
- Provide training and support to system designers and users.
- Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Computer Hardware Engineer
When polled, Computer Hardware Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Other Computer Hardware Engineer Job Titles
- Design Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Microchip Specialist
- Computer Hardware Designer
- Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
Is There Going to be Demand for Computer Hardware Engineers?
There were about 73,600 jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,100 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Hardware Engineer are North Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Idaho, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Computer Hardware Engineer Make?
The salary for Computer Hardware Engineers ranges between about $66,700 and $172,630 a year.
Computer Hardware Engineers who work in California, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,040 |
| Arizona | $110,600 |
| Arkansas | $109,810 |
| California | $131,570 |
| Colorado | $117,120 |
| Connecticut | $105,980 |
| District of Columbia | $126,770 |
| Florida | $97,830 |
| Georgia | $100,190 |
| Hawaii | $96,080 |
| Idaho | $106,680 |
| Illinois | $101,630 |
| Indiana | $82,130 |
| Kansas | $88,630 |
| Kentucky | $85,340 |
| Louisiana | $81,660 |
| Maryland | $125,290 |
| Massachusetts | $123,650 |
| Minnesota | $107,780 |
| Mississippi | $90,320 |
| Missouri | $100,160 |
| Nevada | $88,670 |
| New Hampshire | $114,280 |
| New Jersey | $115,090 |
| New York | $114,590 |
| North Carolina | $108,090 |
| Ohio | $102,820 |
| Oklahoma | $103,570 |
| Oregon | $111,020 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,410 |
| Rhode Island | $104,400 |
| South Carolina | $87,870 |
| Tennessee | $87,910 |
| Texas | $116,720 |
| Virginia | $119,500 |
| Washington | $123,680 |
| West Virginia | $96,370 |
| Wisconsin | $88,780 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Hardware Engineers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Hardware Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Visio
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
Becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer
Individuals working as a Computer Hardware Engineer have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Computer Hardware Engineers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Computer Hardware Engineers employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Computer Hardware Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
ComputerScienceDegree.io provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© ComputerScienceDegree.io – All Rights Reserved.