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The differences between hardware engineers and verification 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 verification engineer. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $104,158 average annual salary of a verification engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a verification engineer are python, UVM, and architecture.
| Hardware Engineer | Verification Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $104,158 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $50.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 38,261 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| 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 verification engineer is responsible for running quality tests to the production processes to ensure high-quality outputs according to business requirements and client specifications. Verification engineers develop testing methodologies, inspect tools and equipment, and creating instructional manuals. They also resolve inconsistencies within the process, calibrating technical mechanisms, and identifying areas of improvement to enhance efficiency and build accurate deliverables. A verification engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in monitoring progress and coordinating with clients for necessary plan adjustments.
Hardware engineers and verification engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Verification Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $104,158 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $75,000 And $143,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Concord, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a verification engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Verification Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and verification engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Verification Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 81.8% Female, 18.2% |
| 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, 5.4% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 34.1% White, 47.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |