Post job

Computer hardware developer vs computer hardware designer

The differences between computer hardware developers and computer hardware designers 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 developer and a computer hardware designer. Additionally, a computer hardware designer has an average salary of $134,713, which is higher than the $99,546 average annual salary of a computer hardware developer.

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

Computer hardware developer vs computer hardware designer overview

Computer Hardware DeveloperComputer Hardware Designer
Yearly salary$99,546$134,713
Hourly rate$47.86$64.77
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs116,91559,580
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Computer hardware developer vs computer hardware designer salary

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

Computer Hardware DeveloperComputer Hardware Designer
Average salary$99,546$134,713
Salary rangeBetween $74,000 And $133,000Between $95,000 And $189,000
Highest paying CityRedmond, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between computer hardware developer and computer hardware designer education

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

Computer Hardware DeveloperComputer Hardware Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNortheastern University

Computer hardware developer vs computer hardware designer demographics

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

Computer Hardware DeveloperComputer Hardware Designer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 76.4% Female, 23.6%Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between computer hardware developer and computer hardware designer duties and responsibilities

Computer hardware developer example responsibilities.

  • Work in LabView to control instruments and automate tests.
  • Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
  • Experience in optimizing high-speed real-time ASIC design.
  • Modify firmware DSP algorithms to optimize power consumption.
  • Perform signal quality on the L4 cache signals.
  • Design a test system using Java for the traffic-sign detection algorithm.
  • Show more

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 hardware developer vs computer hardware designer skills

Common computer hardware developer skills
  • Firmware, 37%
  • Hardware Development, 24%
  • Python, 13%
  • Design Verification, 8%
  • C++, 6%
  • Java, 2%
Common computer hardware designer skills
  • CAD, 24%
  • PCB, 19%
  • FPGA, 16%
  • RF, 10%
  • Python, 9%
  • Hardware Development, 4%

Browse architecture and engineering jobs