Computer Hardware Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Computer hardware engineers solve problems that arise in complex computer systems.

Quick Facts: Computer Hardware Engineers
2010 Median Pay	$98,810 per year $47.50 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	70,000
Job Outlook, 2010-20	9% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	6,300

What Computer Hardware Engineers Do

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.

Work Environment

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering generally is acceptable.

Pay

The median annual wage of computer hardware engineers was $98,810 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of computer hardware engineers is expected to increase 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. A limited number of computer hardware engineers will be needed to meet the demand for new types of computer hardware because more innovation in computers now takes place with software than with hardware.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer hardware engineers with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

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What Computer Hardware Engineers Do About this section

These engineers help create large server farms which are used to store huge amounts of data.

Duties

Computer hardware engineers typically do the following:

Design new computer hardware, creating blueprints of computer equipment to be built
Test the completed models of the computer hardware they design
Analyze the test results and modify the design as needed
Update existing computer equipment so that it will work with new software
Oversee the manufacturing process for computer hardware

Computer hardware engineers ensure that computer hardware components work together with the latest software developments. Therefore, hardware engineers sometimes work with software developers. For example, computer hardware engineers give developers of mobile applications information about what kind of software a cell phone can run.

Work Environment About this section

Most hardware engineers work in labs where they test different types of computer models.

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. Most work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. More than 95 percent of computer hardware engineers work in metropolitan areas.

Computer hardware engineers held about 70,000 jobs in 2010. The following table shows the industries that employ the largest number of computer hardware engineers:

Computer and electronic product manufacturing	35%
Computer systems design and related services	19
Scientific research and development services	11
Federal government	7

Work Schedules

Most computer hardware engineers work full time. However, over a quarter work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer About this section

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering generally is acceptable.

Having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is the best way to become a computer hardware engineer.

Education

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering generally is acceptable. A computer engineering major is similar to electrical engineering but with some computer science courses added to the curriculum.

Many engineering programs are accredited by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Some employers prefer students from an accredited program. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should have a solid background in math and science.

Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a background in computer programming usually is needed. This background may be obtained through computer science courses. Some school programs offer co-ops or internships that can provide job experience.

Some large firms or specialized jobs require a master’s degree in computer engineering. Some experienced engineers obtain a master’s degree in business administration. All engineers must continue their learning over the course of their careers to keep up with rapid advances in technology.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers analyze complex equipment to determine the best way to improve it.

Creativity. Computer hardware engineers design new types of information technology devices.

Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems.

Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.

Speaking skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers as well as with non-technical team members.

Pay About this section

Computer Hardware Engineers

Median annual wages, May 2010

Computer Hardware Engineers: $98,810
Engineers: $83,340
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of computer hardware engineers was $98,810 in May 2010. 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 $61,360, and the top 10 percent earned more than $147,890.

The following table shows the median annual wages of computer hardware engineers in the occupation’s top employing industries:

Federal government	$102,950
Computer and electronic product manufacturing	101,320
Computer systems design and related services	98,860
Scientific research and development services	92,080

Most computer hardware engineers work full time. However, over a quarter work more than 40 hours per week.

Job Outlook About this section

Computer Hardware Engineers

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Total, All Occupations: 14%
Engineers: 11%
Computer Hardware Engineers: 9%

Employment of computer hardware engineers is expected to increase 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. A limited number of engineers will be needed to meet the demand for new computer hardware because more of the innovation in computers now takes place with software than with hardware. Although foreign competition in computer equipment will negatively affect the growth of this occupation, this will be partially offset by the development of computer chips that are embedded in other electronics such as household appliances, medical devices, or automobiles.

Most job growth is expected to occur in computer consulting firms as manufacturers increasingly contract out the design of hardware. This will allow hardware engineers to work more closely with software developers when designing computer products.

Job Prospects

Job applicants with a computer engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program will have better chances of finding a job. Engineers who have a higher-level degree and knowledge or experience with computer software will have the best job prospects.

Employment projections data for computer hardware engineers, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Computer Hardware Engineers	17-2061	70,000	76,300	9	6,300	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer hardware engineers.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Aerospace Engineers	Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.	Bachelor’s degree	$97,480
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology and find new uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other uses.	Doctoral or professional degree	$100,660
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology managers (IT managers or IT project managers), plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.	Bachelor’s degree	$115,780
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	Bachelor’s degree	$71,380
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS).	Bachelor’s degree	$87,180
Mathematicians	Mathematicians use high-level mathematics and technology to develop new mathematical principles, understand relationships between existing principles, and solve real-world problems.	Master’s degree	$99,380
Mechanical Engineers	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	Bachelor’s degree	$78,160
Software Developers	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.	Bachelor’s degree	$90,530