Life As a Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer Example Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Life As a Computer Hardware Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
- Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
- Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
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Things a Computer Hardware Engineer Should Know How to Do
When polled, Computer Hardware Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
- Systems Integration Engineer
- Configuration Manager
Job Outlook for Computer Hardware Engineers
In the United States, there were 73,600 jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Computer Hardware Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 5,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Hardware Engineer are North Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Idaho, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary
Computer Hardware Engineers make between $66,700 and $172,630 a year.
Computer Hardware Engineers who work in California, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,040 |
| Arizona | $110,600 |
| Arkansas | $109,810 |
| California | $131,570 |
| Colorado | $117,120 |
| Connecticut | $105,980 |
| District of Columbia | $126,770 |
| Florida | $97,830 |
| Georgia | $100,190 |
| Hawaii | $96,080 |
| Idaho | $106,680 |
| Illinois | $101,630 |
| Indiana | $82,130 |
| Kansas | $88,630 |
| Kentucky | $85,340 |
| Louisiana | $81,660 |
| Maryland | $125,290 |
| Massachusetts | $123,650 |
| Minnesota | $107,780 |
| Mississippi | $90,320 |
| Missouri | $100,160 |
| Nevada | $88,670 |
| New Hampshire | $114,280 |
| New Jersey | $115,090 |
| New York | $114,590 |
| North Carolina | $108,090 |
| Ohio | $102,820 |
| Oklahoma | $103,570 |
| Oregon | $111,020 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,410 |
| Rhode Island | $104,400 |
| South Carolina | $87,870 |
| Tennessee | $87,910 |
| Texas | $116,720 |
| Virginia | $119,500 |
| Washington | $123,680 |
| West Virginia | $96,370 |
| Wisconsin | $88,780 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Hardware Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Hardware Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Visio
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer
What education is needed to be a Computer Hardware Engineer?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer?
Where do Computer Hardware Engineers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Computer Hardware Engineers employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Computer Hardware Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
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