How Much Does a Hardware Design Engineer Make? (2025)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hardware design engineer jobs in the US are expected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. This figure is faster than the national average for all occupations and corresponds to an estimated 5,000 job openings every year for hardware design engineers.
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for hardware design engineers in the United States in 2025 is $80,000. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations for hardware design engineers.
What Does a Hardware Design Engineer Do?
Hardware design engineers typically research, design, develop, and test computer systems. They also inspect computer components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. In addition, they may validate computer hardware, supervise production, and provide technical support.
Several hardware design engineers develop devices that are usually incorporated in processors and computer components used in connecting to the internet. Brand-new car technology, home appliances, and medical devices that have interned-ready features are great examples of products created by hardware design engineers. Below are the top industries they work for:
- Research and Development (Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
- Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
- Federal Government
A bachelor’s degree is required to qualify for a hardware design engineer job, especially in computer engineering and other related fields such as computer and information technology. Accreditations from well-respected professional associations in the industry, such as ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), are a huge plus.
What is the Hardware Design Engineer Salary Overview?
The average salary for hardware design engineers in the United States in 2025 is $80,000 per year, according to Salary.com. A hardware design engineer’s salary ranges from $69,225 to $90,259 per year. The average salary per month is $6,667.
Hardware design engineers earn an average of $38 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $36 to $41. Moreover, the average salary for hardware design engineers per week is $1,538, with weekly pay ranging from $1,430 to $1,642.
2025 Hardware Design Engineer Salary: $80,000 ($38 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a hardware design engineer is $82,720 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70,589 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,370 |
| 50th Percentile | $82,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,910 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,546 |
On the other hand, the average total compensation for hardware design engineers in the US is $117,177 according to the Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($10,181), and Social Security ($6,328), which make up 21.2% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $80,000 | 68.3% |
| Bonus | $2,720 | 2.3% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $6,328 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $3,474 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $1,654 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 7.1% |
| Pension | $4,467 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $10,181 | 8.7% |
| Total Compensation | $117,177 | 100% |
What Can Affect Hardware Design Engineer Salaries?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence hardware design engineer salaries. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Over time, hardware design engineer salaries are expected to grow in line with work experience. Salary.com data shows that entry-level hardware design engineers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $78,594.
In contrast, experienced hardware design engineers working for eight or more years, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $80,750.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Hardware Design Engineer | $78,594 |
| Intermediate Level Hardware Design Engineer | $79,168 |
| Senior Level Hardware Design Engineer | $80,355 |
| Specialist Level Hardware Design Engineer | $80,592 |
| Expert Level Hardware Design Engineer | $80,750 |
By Geographic Location
A hardware design engineer’s average salary in the United States may vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest hardware design engineer salary at $85,620 while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $66,100 and $67,610, respectively.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $92,950 | $99,990 | $106,710 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $82,760 | $89,040 | $95,020 |
| Miami, Florida | $71,760 | $77,200 | $82,380 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $78,000 | $83,920 | $89,550 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $83,360 | $89,680 | $95,700 |
| New York, New York | $86,850 | $93,430 | $99,170 |
| Dallas, Texas | $73,390 | $78,960 | $84,260 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is also an effective way to increase hardware design engineer salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand hardware design engineer skills are electrical engineering and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) with 31.17% and 10.06%, respectively.
Meanwhile, essential skills such as root cause analysis and computer-aided design (CAD) can increase hardware design engineer salaries by 5.71% and 5.47%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for hardware design engineers and their respective influence on salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary Impact (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Root Cause Analysis | 2.40% | +5.71% |
| Computer-Aided Design (CAD) | 2.10% | +5.47% |
| Electrical Schematic Drawings and Capture | 2.50% | +4.83% |
| Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) | 2.40% | +4.83% |
| Computer Hardware | 1.90% | +4.59% |
| Design Engineering | 4.69% | +3.95% |
How to Become a Hardware Design Engineer?
Hardware design engineers are required to possess a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or any other related field, such as computer and information technology. Earning relevant accreditations and internships would also be a huge plus. To pursue a career and earn more money as a hardware design engineer, concentrate on developing the following key areas, such as the following:
- Acquire important core qualities: A hardware design engineer is expected to possess necessary qualities such as analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Earn a master’s degree: Hardware design engineers must continuously learn and upskill throughout their careers to open more doors of opportunities and higher pay. Some large firms or corporations require completing a master’s degree in computer engineering to achieve this, while some prefer an MBA or a master’s degree in business administration.
- Expand work experience: Participating in internship programs and other related work experiences can also help a hardware design engineer advance his career and develop connections. With further education and specialized experience, they may advance to become senior hardware design engineers or computer and information systems managers.
- Explore related work environments: Proceeding to immerse yourself in environments where hardware design engineers usually work is also a huge plus. This includes sectors such as computer systems design, semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing, research and development, and the federal government.
What are the FAQs About Hardware Design Engineer?
Here are some common questions about the hardware design engineer pay:
What does a hardware design engineer do?
Hardware design engineers are primarily responsible for the research, design, development, and testing of computer systems and components. They also often work with software developers to ensure that the computer hardware components they work on are compatible with the latest software. Hardware design engineers typically do the following tasks:
- Create and design schematics of computer equipment to build.
- Test and modify the computer hardware and electronics.
- Analyze, verify, and review the design to make necessary adjustments as needed.
- Update existing computer components to respond and stay compatible with new software.
- Oversee and manage the production of computer hardware.
What is the highest salary for a hardware design engineer?
A hardware design engineer’s salary may vary depending on his education, skills, experience, and geographic location. For instance, a hardware design engineer based in San Francisco, California, earns an average salary of $99,990. On the other hand, a hardware design engineer based in the state of Mississippi only earns an average of $71,360.
Are hardware design engineers in demand?
Yes. BLS reported that hardware design engineer jobs are forecasted to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033. Over that period, 5,000 job openings are expected to be produced in the US.
How much does a hardware design engineer make in the US?
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for hardware design engineers in the US is $80,000 or $38 per hour.
