Computer hardware engineers usually work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in high-tech manufacturing firms. Some work in computer systems design firms, research and development firms, or for the federal government. More than 95 percent of computer hardware engineers work in metropolitan areas.
| Computer systems design and related services | 22% |
| Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing | 16% |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 15% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 6% |
| Government | 5% |
The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers is $108,430. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $66,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $160,610.
| Per Hour | Per Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Top End Computer Hardware Engineer Earnings | $80.34 | $167,100 |
| Senior Computer Hardware Engineer Earnings | $67.92 | $141,280 |
| Experienced Computer Hardware Engineer Earnings | $53.72 | $111,730 |
| Junior Computer Hardware Engineer Earnings | $41.49 | $86,300 |
| Starting Computer Hardware Engineer Earnings | $31.52 | $65,570 |
Most computer hardware engineers work full time. About 1 in 4 work more than 40 hours per week.