How much does a Computer Hardware Engineer make in the United States?
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The average Computer Hardware Engineer salary in the United States is $142,468 as of April 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Computer Hardware Engineer positions (listed below) typically falls between $45,056 and $239,880. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Computer Hardware Engineer's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Hardware Engineer III | $122,551 | $58.92 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer I | $83,435 | $40.11 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer II | $100,292 | $48.22 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer IV | $148,143 | $71.22 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer V | $177,819 | $85.49 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Hardware Engineer VI | $220,496 | $106.01 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Hardware Engineering Manager | $178,614 | $85.87 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Computer Operator II | $60,215 | $28.95 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Computer Operator I | $51,041 | $24.54 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Computer Operator III | $71,301 | $34.28 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
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Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Hardware Engineer III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hardware Design Engineer III, Hardware Development Engineer III, Hardware R&D Engineer III, Senior Hardware Engineer, Hardware Engineer III
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Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Hardware Engineer I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Hardware Engineer, Hardware Design Engineer I, Hardware Development Engineer I, Hardware R&D Engineer I, Hardware Engineer I
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Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Hardware Engineer II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hardware Design Engineer II, Hardware Development Engineer II, Hardware R&D Engineer II, Intermediate Hardware Engineer, Hardware Engineer II
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Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Hardware Engineer IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hardware Design Engineer - Specialist, Hardware Design Engineer IV, Hardware Development Engineer IV, Hardware Engineer - Project Lead, Hardware R&D Engineer IV, Hardware Engineer IV
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Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Hardware Engineer V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hardware Design Engineer V, Hardware Development Engineer V, Hardware Engineer - Expert/Consultant, Hardware R&D Engineer V, Hardware Engineer V
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Provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Develops test strategies, devices, and systems. Builds prototype to determine design feasibility. Performs stress and performance tests on prototypes and a variety of computer hardware including circuit boards, processors, and wiring. Refines designs based on performance data and feedback. Optimizes hardware for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization. View Hardware Engineer VI SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hardware Development Engineer VI, Hardware R&D Engineer VI, Hardware Engineer VI
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Plans and directs hardware engineering activities within an organization. Manages a team that provides analysis related to the design, development, and implementation of hardware for products. Enhances operations by establishing metrics and analyzing processes. Implements standard methodologies, tools, and best practices to ensure high-quality deliverables. Ensures all hardware engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with the organization's established policies and objectives. Reviews and approves testing and QA procedures. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Hardware Engineering Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hardware Design Engineering Manager, Hardware Development Engineering Manager, Hardware R&D Engineering Manager, Hardware Engineering Manager
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Operates and monitors computer equipment. Uses established procedures to perform routine tasks to maintain required performance standards of computer equipment and its peripherals. Observes peripheral equipment and error messages displayed on the monitor of the terminal to identify faulty output or machine stoppage. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. View Computer Operator II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist II, Computer Support Operations Specialist II, Intermediate Computer Operator, Computer Operator II
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Operates and monitors computer equipment. Uses established procedures to perform routine tasks to maintain required performance standards of computer equipment and its peripherals. Observes peripheral equipment and error messages displayed on the monitor of the terminal to identify faulty output or machine stoppage. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience. View Computer Operator I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist I, Computer Support Operations Specialist I, Entry Computer Operator, Computer Operator I
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Operates and monitors computer equipment. Uses established procedures to perform routine tasks to maintain required performance standards of computer equipment and its peripherals. Observes peripheral equipment and error messages displayed on the monitor of the terminal to identify faulty output or machine stoppage. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience. View Computer Operator III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist III, Computer Support Operations Specialist III, Senior Computer Operator, Computer Operator III