Computer hardware engineers
SOC Code: 17-2061
Computer hardware engineers carries a 48% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $155,020 and +7.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 76,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 48% AI exposure, Computer hardware engineers sits 11 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 84% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Computer hardware engineers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Computer hardware engineers has ai exposure of 48%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Computer hardware engineers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Computer hardware engineers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Computer hardware engineers (SOC 17-2061) carries an AI exposure score of 48%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 76,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $155,020, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Computer hardware engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- 2. Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- 3. Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- 4. Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
- 5. Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
- 6. Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
- 7. Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
- 8. Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
- 9. Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
- 10. Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Operations Analysis
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Physics
- Telecommunications
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Computer hardware engineers?
Computer hardware engineers has an AI exposure score of 48%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Computer hardware engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Computer hardware engineers is projected to grow by 7.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 76,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Computer hardware engineers?
Key skills for Computer hardware engineers include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Computer hardware engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Computer hardware engineers is $155,020, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Computer hardware engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Computer hardware engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Computer hardware engineers?
Computer hardware engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).