The number of Hardware Engineers is relatively small compared with the number of other computer-related professionals who work with software or computer related applications. Hardware engineers held about 67,200 jobs in 2008 (when separated out from Electrical Engineers). About 28% were employed in computer and IT services. 1 out of 9 works in computer and office equipment manufacturing, but many also are employed in communications industries (including RF Engineering) and <12% in engineering consulting firms. Less than 1% of Hardware Engineers nationally are in private consulting.

Hardware Engineering Employment Outlook

Hardware engineers are expected to have favorable job opportunities into 2012. Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2011, reflecting rapid employment growth in the computer and office equipment industry, which employs the greatest number of hardware engineers.

Opportunities for hardware engineers should grow (at about 1.9%/yr) as businesses need help managing, upgrading, and customizing increasingly complex hardware systems and networks. Growth in embedded systems will also increase the demand for hardware engineers. In addition to job openings arising from employment growth, other opportunities will result from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, are promoted, transfer to other occupations, or leave the labor force.

Hardware Engineering Salaries

The middle 50% earned between $58,330 and $98,240. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,200, and the highest 10% earned more than $119,480. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of hardware engineers in 2008 were:

Computer and office equipment: $83,710
Computer and IT services: $77,890
Electronic components and accessories: $73,480
Telecommunications: $72,120

Starting salaries for hardware engineers with a B.S. Computer Engineering or EE can be significantly higher than salaries of B.S./B.A. graduates in many other non-technical fields. Starting salary offers in 2008 for B.S.C.E. candidates averaged $59,870 a year; M.S.C.E. candidates averaged $69,460; and Ph.D.'s averaged $88,100.