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The differences between hardware design engineers 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 hardware design engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a hardware design engineer has an average salary of $106,135, which is higher than the $96,805 average annual salary of a computer engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware design engineer include RF, PCB and analog. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Hardware Design Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $106,135 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $51.03 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 69,000 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A hardware design engineer is an individual who develops, improves, and test components and systems for computers and other devices. Hardware design engineers must develop and design hardware components, such as circuit boards, switches, and networking elements. They are required to examine technological specifications and functional requirements as well as design components and systems that will deliver the expected performance. Hardware design engineers are also involved with manufacturing hardware, and they work closely with software engineers and developers during the development cycle.
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
Hardware design engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Design Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $106,135 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $139,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a hardware design engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Design Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between hardware design engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Design Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.1% Female, 9.9% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 50.8% 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 Percentage | 4% | 11% |