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The differences between hardware 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 engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $96,805 average annual salary of a computer engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Hardware Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
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 engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% 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% |