Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for computer hardware developers in the United States
Are computer hardware developer jobs in demand?
Computer hardware developer job and salary trends over time
Computer hardware developer jobs over time
Computer hardware developer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 796 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 699 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 733 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 656 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 721 | 0.00% |
Average computer hardware developer salary over time
Computer hardware developer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $99,546 | $47.86 | +2.0% |
| 2025 | $97,598 | $46.92 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $95,417 | $45.87 | --0.5% |
| 2023 | $95,850 | $46.08 | +0.0% |
| 2022 | $95,816 | $46.07 | +3.0% |
Computer hardware developer jobs by state
Most common states for computer hardware developers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 373 | 54% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 147 | 25% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 173 | 23% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,212 | 22% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,205 | 22% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 457 | 22% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,255 | 21% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 399 | 21% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,670 | 20% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,461 | 20% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 569 | 20% |
| 12 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 173 | 20% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 126 | 20% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,300 | 19% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,233 | 18% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 573 | 18% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 190 | 18% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 136 | 18% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 535 | 17% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 225 | 17% |
Most common cities for computer hardware developers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $106,645 |
| 2 | Culver City | 1 | 3% | $121,285 |
Computer Hardware Developer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of computer hardware developer experts
Gonzaga University
Stevens Institute of Technology
San Diego State University
What Computer Hardware Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: The most important skill is the ability to learn new things, and especially to unlearn things you “know” after evidence demonstrates that these things are not true. Learn how to analyze information. Your intuition, simulations, and results should all be in alignment. If they are not, then dig deeper. Learn the terminology and jargon specific to your company and your projects. Spend time reading. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be intimidated by new software.
What Computer Hardware Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Min Song: Communication skills and innovative thinking skills. As emerging technologies continue to be complex and multidisciplinary, it’s important to be able to communicate with professionals in diverse disciplines. Taking robotics, for example, the electrical engineer must be able to work with mechanical and biomechanical engineers, computer engineers, software engineers, artificial intelligence experts, cognitive scientists, system engineers, etc. A person will be able to generate innovative ideas only if the person has a complete and comprehensive understanding of the entire system and can work well with other individuals with a range of expertise.
What will help Computer Hardware Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Arif Engin: Electrical engineers solve problems by skillfully applying mathematics and science. Electrical engineering classes are challenging at college, and electrical engineers must embrace lifelong learning to remain at the top of their skills. In the end, seeing the results of their work in a finished product is a rewarding experience.