Computer engineering salary is an important consideration for students and professionals exploring careers in technology and engineering. Computer engineering combines principles of electrical engineering and computer science, allowing professionals to work with computer hardware, software, embedded systems, processors, networks, and other technologies.
Salary can vary considerably depending on experience, education, location, industry, job title, and specialization. In the United States, computer hardware engineers are among the higher-paid engineering occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual wage of $155,020 for computer hardware engineers in May 2024. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What Does a Computer Engineer Do?
Computer engineers can work on both hardware and software-related systems. Their responsibilities may include designing, developing, testing, and improving computer components and systems.
Depending on their specialization, they may work with:
- Computer processors
- Circuit boards
- Embedded systems
- Memory devices
- Computer networks
- Robotics
- Internet-connected devices
- Software and operating systems
- Electronic equipment
Computer hardware engineers, for example, research, design, develop, and test computers and related equipment. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Average Computer Engineering Salary
Salary figures depend on the specific computer engineering occupation being considered.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $155,020 in May 2024, while the median hourly wage was $74.53. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The same BLS data shows that the lowest 10% of computer hardware engineers earned below $85,430, while the highest 10% earned above $223,820 annually. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
These figures demonstrate how significantly earnings can differ across experience levels, industries, locations, and individual positions.
Entry-Level Computer Engineering Salary
Entry-level salaries are generally lower than the overall median because the median includes workers with different levels of professional experience.
New graduates may begin in positions involving hardware design, testing, embedded systems, electronics, software development, or technical engineering.
An individual’s starting salary can depend on:
- Degree and specialization
- Internship experience
- Technical skills
- Employer
- Location
- Industry
- Job responsibilities
Internships and practical projects can help students develop skills that employers value when hiring for entry-level positions.
Experienced Computer Engineering Salaries
Computer engineers can potentially increase their earning opportunities as they gain professional experience and develop specialized skills.
Experienced professionals may move into roles such as:
- Senior computer engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Embedded systems engineer
- Firmware engineer
- Systems engineer
- Network engineer
- Engineering manager
Some computer hardware engineers eventually advance into engineering management positions. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Highest-Paying Industries
The industry in which a computer engineer works can have a significant effect on compensation.
According to BLS data, the May 2024 median wages for computer hardware engineers varied by major industry. Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences had a median wage of $179,190, while semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing had a median of $162,460. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Computer systems design and related services had a median wage of $153,960, while computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing had a median of $153,270. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Skills That Can Affect Salary
Technical skills can play an important role in career development.
Computer engineering students and professionals may benefit from developing knowledge in:
Programming
Programming languages are useful for developing software, firmware, and embedded systems.
Hardware Design
Understanding circuits, processors, memory, and electronic components is important for hardware-focused careers.
Embedded Systems
Embedded systems combine hardware and software and are used in products such as vehicles, appliances, medical equipment, and industrial devices.
Problem-Solving
Computer engineers regularly troubleshoot technical problems and evaluate possible solutions.
Communication
Engineers often work in teams and need to explain technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical colleagues. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Education Requirements
Entry-level computer hardware engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as electrical engineering. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
University programs commonly include subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Programming
- Circuit design
- Computer architecture
- Operating systems
- Electronics
- Engineering fundamentals
Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree for certain specialized positions.
Computer Engineering Job Outlook
The career outlook for computer hardware engineers is positive.
The BLS projects employment of computer hardware engineers to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The agency projects approximately 4,700 openings per year on average during that period. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Demand can come from industries developing products that rely on processors and other computing components, including medical devices, automobiles, household technology, and electronic products.
Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science Salary
Computer engineering and computer science overlap, but they focus on somewhat different areas.
Computer engineering generally combines hardware and software concepts, while computer science focuses more heavily on computing theory, programming, algorithms, and software.
Salary should not be the only factor when comparing the two fields. Students should also consider which subjects they enjoy and what type of work they want to perform.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential
Students and professionals interested in computer engineering can strengthen their career prospects by developing practical skills alongside academic knowledge.
Useful steps can include:
- Completing relevant internships
- Building engineering projects
- Learning programming languages
- Studying computer architecture
- Developing embedded-systems knowledge
- Improving communication skills
- Keeping up with new technologies
- Building a strong technical portfolio
Practical experience can help demonstrate what you can actually build and solve, rather than relying only on academic qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average computer engineering salary?
For the related occupation of computer hardware engineer, the BLS reported a median annual wage of $155,020 in May 2024 in the United States. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Is computer engineering a high-paying career?
Yes. Computer hardware engineering is among the higher-paying engineering occupations, although actual salaries vary by position, experience, industry, and location.
What degree do computer engineers need?
Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Can computer engineers work in software?
Yes. Computer engineering programs often include programming and software-related subjects, and graduates can pursue roles involving firmware, embedded systems, software, and other computing technologies.
Is computer engineering a good career for the future?
Computer engineering can offer strong career opportunities because many modern products and industries depend on computing hardware and electronic systems. The BLS projects 7% employment growth for computer hardware engineers from 2024 to 2034. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Conclusion
Computer engineering salary can be highly competitive, particularly for professionals working in specialized hardware, semiconductor, research, and technology positions. Current BLS data places the median annual wage for U.S. computer hardware engineers at $155,020, with experienced professionals potentially earning substantially more. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
However, salary is only one part of choosing a career. Education, technical skills, internships, specialization, experience, and industry can all influence long-term opportunities.
For students interested in mathematics, technology, programming, electronics, and problem-solving, computer engineering can provide a broad foundation for careers across the technology and engineering industries.
