How long does it take to become a computer hardware engineer?

Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do computer hardware engineers make?

The US median is $161,740 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a computer hardware engineer?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a computer hardware engineer?

454 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a computer hardware engineer

Engineering & architecture · SOC 17-2061

$161,740US median pay, 2025

+9.1%Projected growth, 2025–35

4,100Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Work as a computer hardware engineer

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Electrical and Electronics Engineering	CIP 14.1001	408
Computer Engineering, General	CIP 14.0901	294
Electrical and Computer Engineering	CIP 14.4701	37
Computer Hardware Engineering	CIP 14.0902	6

See the 454 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a computer hardware engineer?: Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do computer hardware engineers make?: The US median is $161,740 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a computer hardware engineer?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a computer hardware engineer?: 454 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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