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Salary

How much does a Hardware Engineer make?

The average salary for a Hardware Engineer is $140,437 per year in the US.

A Hardware Engineer can expect a rewarding salary that reflects their specialized skills. With a strong background in electronics and systems, many in this field earn well above the national average. The average yearly salary for a Hardware Engineer stands at about $140,437. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and specific industry.

Several factors can influence a Hardware Engineer’s salary. Entry-level positions may start around $58,000, while seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $244,000 annually. Key industries, such as tech and aerospace, often offer higher salaries. Engineers with additional certifications or advanced degrees may also see higher pay. Understanding these factors can help job seekers make informed career choices.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Hardware Engineer?

Top cities for Hardware Engineers include San Francisco, Seattle, and San Jose, where salaries are among the highest. San Francisco leads with an average salary of $167,713, making it an attractive place for professionals in this field. Other cities like Seattle and San Jose also offer competitive pay packages, often exceeding $150,000 annually. Denver, Austin, and Los Angeles follow closely, providing lucrative opportunities for skilled Hardware Engineers. Denver's average salary sits around $134,839, while Austin and Los Angeles offer salaries of about $148,321 and $143,121, respectively. These cities present strong career growth potential and high earning prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Hardware Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $167,713 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $124,139.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $167,713
    In San Francisco, tech companies thrive, offering many opportunities for those in tech hardware roles. Companies like Apple and Intel provide exciting challenges and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
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  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $163,807
    Seattle is a hub for tech innovation, home to giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Hardware Engineers here get to work on influential projects that shape the future of technology.
    Find Hardware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $151,683
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers numerous roles in hardware development. With companies like Cisco and AMD, Engineers work on leading-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
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  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $149,878
    San Diego combines beautiful weather with a growing tech scene. Qualcomm and other tech firms offer roles where Engineers can contribute to innovative hardware solutions.
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  5. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $148,321
    Austin is known for its vibrant culture and strong tech presence. Companies like Dell and Tesla provide opportunities for Engineers to work on impactful hardware projects.
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  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $143,121
    Los Angeles offers a mix of entertainment and technology, with companies like SpaceX and Electronic Arts. Engineers here enjoy a diverse work environment with opportunities for innovation.
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  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $134,839
    Denver provides a high quality of life and a growing tech industry. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Comcast offer roles where Engineers can work on advanced hardware solutions.
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  8. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $127,725
    St. Louis offers a blend of urban and suburban living with a supportive tech community. Engineers can find opportunities at companies like Boeing and Emerson.
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  9. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $124,959
    Raleigh is a growing tech hub, home to companies like Red Hat and IBM. Engineers here enjoy a collaborative environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.
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  10. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $124,139
    Santa Rosa offers a quieter, yet thriving tech scene. Companies like Intel and AMD provide opportunities for Engineers to work on exciting projects in a relaxed setting.
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What are the best companies a Hardware Engineer can work for?

Top-tier companies like Apple and Microsoft offer some of the highest salaries for hardware engineers. Apple leads with an average salary of about $203,500, followed closely by Microsoft at around $188,000. Cisco, NVIDIA, and Viasat also provide attractive compensation packages, making them excellent choices for those seeking lucrative opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Hardware Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $203,516 and Amazon.com with the lowest at $158,251.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $203,516
    Apple hires Hardware Engineers to develop and refine the company's range of cutting-edge products. Apple's locations span across the globe, including major offices in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Apple's commitment to innovation makes it a top choice for aspiring Hardware Engineers.


  2. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $188,411
    Microsoft employs Hardware Engineers to design hardware components for their software and systems. With offices in many countries, Microsoft offers diverse opportunities. The company emphasizes teamwork and technological advancement, providing a solid career path for Hardware Engineers.


  3. Cisco
    Average Salary: $182,924
    Cisco offers exciting roles for Hardware Engineers to work on networking and communication hardware. The company operates in numerous locations worldwide, from the USA to Europe and Asia. Cisco values innovation and skill, making it a great place for Hardware Engineers.


  4. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $181,322
    NVIDIA recruits Hardware Engineers to work on graphics processing units and other tech. With offices spread across the globe, from the USA to Asia, there are many opportunities. The company's focus on high-performance computing makes it a sought-after employer.


  5. Viasat
    Average Salary: $177,117
    Viasat hires Hardware Engineers to develop satellite communication systems. Operating in various locations, the company offers rewarding career opportunities. Viasat's emphasis on technology and innovation makes it a great fit for ambitious Hardware Engineers.


  6. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $174,908
    AWS looks for Hardware Engineers to work on cloud computing infrastructure. With locations worldwide, including the USA and Europe, AWS offers many career paths. The company’s focus on cloud technology provides a dynamic work environment for Hardware Engineers.


  7. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $167,079
    Qualcomm employs Hardware Engineers to develop semiconductor products. Operating in multiple countries, Qualcomm offers diverse opportunities. The company’s commitment to wireless technology innovation makes it an appealing employer for Hardware Engineers.


  8. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $161,162
    BAE Systems USA hires Hardware Engineers for defense and aerospace projects. With locations across the USA, the company offers stable and rewarding careers. The company's focus on advanced technology makes it a top choice for skilled Hardware Engineers.


  9. Randstad
    Average Salary: $160,656
    Randstad places Hardware Engineers in various tech companies. The company operates in many countries, offering a wide range of opportunities. Randstad's role in connecting talented professionals with top employers makes it a valuable resource for job seekers.


  10. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $158,251
    Amazon.com employs Hardware Engineers to work on e-commerce and cloud infrastructure. The company has many locations worldwide, offering numerous career paths. Amazon’s innovative and fast-paced environment makes it a great place for skilled Hardware Engineers.

How to earn more as a Hardware Engineer?

A hardware engineer can find several ways to increase their salary. Seeking higher-paying roles or industries offers one avenue. Those who work in tech-intensive areas often earn more. Positions in automotive or aerospace sectors tend to pay well. Seeking promotions also helps. Managers or senior engineers often earn more.

Gaining specialized skills can also boost earnings. Skills in emerging technologies are valuable. Learning about artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things can help. Certifications in these areas can lead to higher-paying roles. Networking within the industry also helps. Attending conferences or joining professional groups can lead to better opportunities. Being active in these circles often reveals higher-paying jobs.

Another way to earn more is by pursuing further education. A master’s degree or an MBA can increase earning potential. These degrees show a commitment to the field. They can lead to better job offers. Working in a high-cost area also helps. Engineers in cities with a high cost of living often earn more.

Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Seek higher-paying roles or industries
  2. Gain specialized skills and certifications
  3. Pursue further education
  4. Network within the industry
  5. Work in a high-cost area

Currently 269 Hardware Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Hardware Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Hardware Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Hardware Engineer today.
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Hardware Engineer
269 Job Openings