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Computer Hardware Engineer

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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.

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.

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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.

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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:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where do Computer Hardware Engineers Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Computer Hardware Engineers employed by various industries.

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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: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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