Position
Salary
A Hardware Engineer makes an average yearly salary of $140,608. This profession often requires a blend of skills in electrical engineering and computer science. With experience and additional skills, this salary can change. Most people start on the lower end of this range, around $57,000, and then see increases as they gain more experience.
Those in the top 10% of earners make more than $244,000 a year. These top earners usually have years of experience, advanced degrees, or specialized skills. Companies in tech hubs or large tech firms often pay more. Also, those who work on critical projects or have unique skills can earn more.

Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $158,774
In Seattle, tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft offer opportunities for those in hardware design. The tech scene thrives, providing a dynamic environment for innovation.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $157,388
San Francisco boasts a thriving tech hub, with giants like Apple and Intel hiring for hardware roles. The city offers a vibrant community for tech enthusiasts.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $150,987
San Jose, known as Silicon Valley, is home to many tech firms. Companies such as Intel and AMD are leaders in hardware engineering, providing numerous opportunities in the field.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $148,954
San Diego has a growing tech scene, with Qualcomm being a major player in the hardware industry. The city combines a strong job market with a pleasant lifestyle.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $146,955
Austin offers a mix of tech and startup culture. Companies like Dell Technologies provide exciting prospects for hardware professionals.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $138,844
Los Angeles is home to a variety of tech companies. With firms like Qualcomm and Raytheon, it offers a diverse range of opportunities in hardware engineering.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $134,839
Denver's tech scene is on the rise. Companies like Lockheed Martin provide stable positions in hardware development.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $127,725
St. Louis has a growing tech industry. Firms such as Boeing offer roles in hardware engineering, blending innovation with stability.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $125,127
Santa Rosa is a hub for technology and innovation. Companies like Intel provide opportunities for those skilled in hardware design.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $124,959
Raleigh boasts a thriving tech ecosystem. With companies like IBM, it offers promising career paths in hardware engineering.
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Apple
Average Salary: $202,572
Apple is one of the most innovative companies in the world. Apple seeks talented Hardware Engineers to design the next generation of tech devices. They operate worldwide, with major offices in California, Texas, and North Carolina.
Microsoft
Average Salary: $187,883
Microsoft offers a range of opportunities for Hardware Engineers. They focus on enhancing computing power and user experience. Microsoft's locations include Washington, California, and Texas.
Viasat
Average Salary: $177,117
Viasat is a leader in satellite communications. They offer exciting roles for Hardware Engineers to develop advanced communication systems. They are based in California and Colorado.
NVIDIA
Average Salary: $176,300
NVIDIA is known for its graphics processing units and AI technology. They seek skilled Hardware Engineers to innovate in these fields. They have offices in California, Arizona, and Washington.
Qualcomm
Average Salary: $168,794
Qualcomm develops wireless technology and components. They offer many opportunities for Hardware Engineers to work on cutting-edge products. They have locations in California, Massachusetts, and Oregon.
Cisco
Average Salary: $167,247
Cisco focuses on networking and communications technology. They need Hardware Engineers to design high-performance networking solutions. Their main offices are in California, Texas, and Arizona.
Randstad
Average Salary: $162,821
Randstad is a staffing firm that places talent in various roles. They offer competitive salaries for Hardware Engineers. They have numerous locations across the country.
BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $160,232
BAE Systems USA works in defense and aerospace. They need Hardware Engineers to develop innovative technology for the military and government. They operate in Virginia, California, and Colorado.
Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $158,924
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud services provider. They need Hardware Engineers to develop cloud infrastructure. Their main office is in Virginia, with other locations in Washington and California.
Blue Origin
Average Salary: $155,890
Blue Origin is a space exploration company. They seek Hardware Engineers to develop space travel technology. They operate in Florida, Texas, and Washington.
A Hardware Engineer can increase earnings by gaining more experience and skills. Specializing in a niche area of hardware engineering, such as embedded systems or semiconductor design, can lead to higher-paying roles. Continuous learning through certifications and advanced degrees also helps in securing better-paying jobs. Networking within the industry can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Seeking roles in high-demand industries, such as automotive or aerospace, can result in higher salaries.
The following factors can help a Hardware Engineer earn more: