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The differences between computer hardware developers and senior hardware 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 developer and a senior hardware engineer. Additionally, a senior hardware engineer has an average salary of $116,383, 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 senior hardware engineer are C++, RF, and PCB.
| Computer Hardware Developer | Senior Hardware Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,546 | $116,383 |
| Hourly rate | $47.86 | $55.95 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 116,915 | 55,261 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer hardware developers handle the physical aspect of computers. The developers research, design, and manufacture test computer systems and components. They make sure that they function to their full capacity with the software they are being used with. Their duties include designing new computer hardware, manufacturing computer equipment schematics, analyzing the test results, and modifying the design of the new hardware as needed. They update the already existing computer equipment so it works with new software and oversee every step of the manufacturing process.
A Senior Hardware Engineer is responsible for designing computer hardware. They define and coordinate corrective action changes, as well as provide technical support to team members.
Computer hardware developers and senior hardware engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Hardware Developer | Senior Hardware Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,546 | $116,383 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $133,000 | Between $89,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a computer hardware developer and a senior hardware engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Hardware Developer | Senior Hardware Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between computer hardware developers' and senior hardware engineers' demographics:
| Computer Hardware Developer | Senior Hardware Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 6.2% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 29.9% White, 50.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |