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The differences between hardware engineers and design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a hardware engineer, becoming a design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $77,134 average annual salary of a design engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.
| Hardware Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $77,134 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $37.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 138,173 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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 design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Hardware engineers and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $77,134 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $57,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and design engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |