Computer hardware designer vs hardware test engineer

The differences between computer hardware designers and hardware test 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 hardware test engineer. Additionally, a computer hardware designer has an average salary of $134,713, which is higher than the $108,602 average annual salary of a hardware test engineer.

The top three skills for a computer hardware designer include CAD, PCB and FPGA. The most important skills for a hardware test engineer are python, test equipment, and C++.

Computer hardware designer vs hardware test engineer overview

	Computer Hardware Designer	Hardware Test Engineer
Yearly salary	$134,713	$108,602
Hourly rate	$64.77	$52.21
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	59,580	77,022
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

Computer hardware designer vs hardware test engineer salary

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

	Computer Hardware Designer	Hardware Test Engineer
Average salary	$134,713	$108,602
Salary range	Between $95,000 And $189,000	Between $82,000 And $142,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Bellevue, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Apple	Meta
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between computer hardware designer and hardware test engineer education

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

	Computer Hardware Designer	Hardware Test Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Northeastern University	Northeastern University

Computer hardware designer vs hardware test engineer demographics

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

	Computer Hardware Designer	Hardware Test Engineer
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7%	Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%
Race ratio	Black 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, 5.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 30.6% White, 50.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between computer hardware designer and hardware test 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.

Hardware test engineer example responsibilities.

Enter and manage BOM in database for same cards.
Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
Create python base programs to test release firmware and data recovery tools for data analysis.
Support hardware and firmware engineers with cable and test jig assembly and PCB repairs.
Develop test cases using selenium to integrate hardware and web services so automation are possible.
Conform to ISO manufacturing standards and work instructions.

Computer hardware designer vs hardware test engineer skills

Common computer hardware designer skills

CAD, 24%
PCB, 19%
FPGA, 16%
RF, 10%
Python, 9%
Hardware Development, 4%

Common hardware test engineer skills

Python, 11%
Test Equipment, 7%
C++, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
RF, 4%
Data Analysis, 4%

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Computer Hardware Designer
Computer Hardware Designer vs Hardware Test Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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