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The differences between asic design engineers and hardware engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an asic design engineer, becoming a hardware engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an asic design engineer has an average salary of $109,252, which is higher than the $104,912 average annual salary of a hardware engineer.
The top three skills for an asic design engineer include architecture, SOC and rtl design. The most important skills for a hardware engineer are python, RF, and PCB.
| Asic Design Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,252 | $104,912 |
| Hourly rate | $52.52 | $50.44 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 71,370 | 53,213 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 1 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 45 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) design engineer is responsible for creating architectural specifications and model statements for ASIC systems to support business operations and requirements. ASIC design engineers determine network solutions to resolve system complexities and enhance simulation optimization for design integration. They must have excellent technical skills, especially in writing and analyzing programming codes and languages, modify existing logic, and improve circuit infrastructures. An ASIC design engineer runs multiple quality checks with the output, ensuring that it adheres to regulations and guidelines.
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
Asic design engineers and hardware engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Asic Design Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,252 | $104,912 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $144,000 | Between $77,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an asic design engineer and a hardware engineer in terms of educational background:
| Asic Design Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between asic design engineers' and hardware engineers' demographics:
| Asic Design Engineer | Hardware Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7% | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.8% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |