Computer Hardware Engineers

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.

$155,020

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+7% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Computer hardware engineers design, develop, and test the physical components that make computers and related devices function. They work on everything from circuit boards and processors to routers, memory systems, and storage devices. A typical day might involve using computer-aided design software to create blueprints for new hardware, building and testing prototypes, troubleshooting performance issues, or collaborating with software engineers to ensure hardware and software work seamlessly together. These engineers also analyze test data, modify existing designs to improve efficiency, and oversee the manufacturing process to ensure products meet specifications.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Engineering(masters)Harvard University, MA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Stanford University, CA

Computer Engineering(masters)University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI

Computer Engineering(masters)Santa Clara University, CA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Computer Engineering(bachelors)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Computer Engineering(bachelors)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Engineering(masters)George Mason University, VA

Computer Engineering(masters)Southern Methodist University, TX

Computer Engineering(masters)University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of Southern California, CA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Computer Engineering(masters)Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Cornell University, NY

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)California Institute of Technology, CA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)California State University-Fullerton, CA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)California State University-Long Beach, CA

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