The Average Salary of a U.S. Computer Engineer
Computer engineers are involved in the manufacture and installation of computer hardware, such as computer chips and circuit boards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national employment for computer hardware engineers is expected to increase at a rate of 4 percent from 2008 through 2018. Opportunities will be best in computer systems design and related services industry.
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National Salary
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The mean hourly wage for computer hardware engineers was $48.75 and the mean annual wage, or average salary, was $101,410, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009.
Starting Salary
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The PayScale website lists the starting salary of computer hardware engineers. In October 2010, computer hardware engineers with less than one year of experience earned $49,297 to $69,909.
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High Employment
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The computer system design and related services industry employed the largest number of computer hardware engineers, with an average salary of $100,460, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other industries that employed large numbers were: computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing, $107,410; semiconductor and other electric component manufacturing, $100,640; the federal executive branch, $100,000; and scientific research and development, $105,760.
Top-Paying Industries
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The lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets industry paid the highest average industrial salary to computer hardware engineers, with $126,200, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other industries that offered high pay were: data processing, hosting and related services, $113,610; architectural, engineering and related services, $107,730; computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing, $107,410; and specialized design services, $106,310.
Top-Paying States
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The District of Columbia paid the highest average salary, above all other locations, at $116,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. States that offered high pay were: Massachusetts, $114,440; California, $111,700; New York, $110,980; and Colorado, $108,480.
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