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Computer hardware designer vs computer engineer

The differences between computer hardware designers and computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer hardware designer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer hardware designer has an average salary of $134,713, which is higher than the $96,805 average annual salary of a computer engineer.

The top three skills for a computer hardware designer include CAD, PCB and FPGA. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.

Computer hardware designer vs computer engineer overview

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Engineer
Yearly salary$134,713$96,805
Hourly rate$64.77$46.54
Growth rate5%10%
Number of jobs59,580126,709
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4442
Years of experience22

Computer hardware designer vs computer engineer salary

Computer hardware designers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Engineer
Average salary$134,713$96,805
Salary rangeBetween $95,000 And $189,000Between $70,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleWaymo
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between computer hardware designer and computer engineer education

There are a few differences between a computer hardware designer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityHarvard University

Computer hardware designer vs computer engineer demographics

Here are the differences between computer hardware designers' and computer engineers' demographics:

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Engineer
Average age4442
Gender ratioMale, 79.3% Female, 20.7%Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 30.0% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage4%11%

Differences between computer hardware designer and computer engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer hardware designer example 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.
  • Work as a team member to gather, classify, and document the software, hardware, and firmware requirements.
  • Perform design specification and RTL implementation of functional units and 2D imaging memory controllers.
  • Show more

Computer engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage electronic files using the PDM system.
  • Script VBA to automate the creation of installation documents.
  • Manage DNS and Kerberos infrastructure services for the computing center.
  • Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
  • Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
  • Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
  • Show more

Computer hardware designer vs computer engineer skills

Common computer hardware designer skills
  • CAD, 24%
  • PCB, 19%
  • FPGA, 16%
  • RF, 10%
  • Python, 9%
  • Hardware Development, 4%
Common computer engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Software Development, 8%
  • Java, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • C, 5%
  • C++, 5%

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