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What is a computer hardware designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a computer hardware designer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $64.77 an hour? That's $134,713 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 3,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreComputer Hardware DesignerUS Average
Salary
8.5

Avg. Salary $134,713

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.8

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 30.02%

Black or African American 5.07%

Hispanic or Latino 10.54%

Unknown 2.89%

White 51.04%

Gender

female 20.65%

male 79.35%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.5

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computer hardware designer

  1. Explore computer hardware designer education requirements

    Most common computer hardware designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.1 %

    Master's

    14.5 %

    Associate

    7.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific computer hardware designer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CAD24.15%
    PCB18.68%
    FPGA16.38%
    RF10.10%
    Python9.49%
  3. Complete relevant computer hardware designer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer hardware designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer hardware designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer hardware designer resumes.
  4. Research computer hardware designer duties and responsibilities

    • Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
    • Optimize design, permitting implementation in a cheaper FPGA.
    • Redesign most of the FPGA circuitry dedicate to this reflection.
    • Provide concept drawings, proof of concept / prototyping, creating manufacturing drawings, and field support.
  5. Apply for computer hardware designer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a computer hardware designer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first computer hardware designer job

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Average computer hardware designer salary

The average computer hardware designer salary in the United States is $134,713 per year or $65 per hour. Computer hardware designer salaries range between $95,000 and $189,000 per year.

Average computer hardware designer salary
$134,713 Yearly
$64.77 hourly

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Computer hardware designer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Repairing rebuilding and diagnosising laptop and desktop computers. Along with trouble shooting and giving sound advice


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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