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The differences between hardware engineers and senior 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 senior engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior engineer has an average salary of $108,743, which is higher than the $104,912 average annual salary of a hardware engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a senior engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Hardware Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $108,743 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $52.28 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 343,200 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
Hardware engineers and senior engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $108,743 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $82,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a senior engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and senior engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |