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Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$185,180
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.9% vs 2024
$190,590
Mean Salary
$185,180
Median Salary
$89.03
Hourly Rate
19,820 people work as Computer Hardware Engineers in California

Computer Hardware Engineers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Computer Hardware Engineers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $126,590$126,59025th25% earn less than $150,700$150,700MedianHalf earn more than $185,180$185,18075th75% earn less than $219,980$219,98090thTop 10% earn more than $281,210$281,210

Computer Hardware Engineers in California earn a median salary of $185,180 per year ($15,431/month). This is 42.3% above the national average of $130,164. California ranks #1 out of 41 states for Computer Hardware Engineers pay. Approximately 19,820 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.88
Speaking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics
4.71
Engineering and Technology
4.66
Design
4.14
Mathematics
4.14
English Language
3.79
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (48.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Computer Hardware Engineers in California

Salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers in California range from $126,590 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $281,210 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $150,700 and $219,980.

Median $185,180
P10: $126,590 P25: $150,700 P75: $219,980 P90: $281,210
10th
$126,590
25th
$150,700
Median
$185,180
75th
$219,980
90th
$281,210
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $126,590 $60.86 $10,549
25th Percentile $150,700 $72.45 $12,558
Median (50th) $185,180 $89.03 $15,431
75th Percentile $219,980 $105.76 $18,331
90th Percentile (Experienced) $281,210 $135.20 $23,434

Note: The mean (average) salary of $190,590 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 41 states
$130,164
National avg. for Computer Hardware Engineers
+42.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Computer Hardware Engineers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Computer Hardware Engineers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Computer Hardware Engineers Data in California

Computer Hardware Engineers Salary by State

Compare Computer Hardware Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in California is $185,180 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $190,590.
What is the salary range for a Computer Hardware Engineers in California?
Salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers in California range from $126,590 at the 10th percentile to $281,210 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $150,700 and $219,980.
What is the starting salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in California?
Entry-level Computer Hardware Engineers positions in California typically start around $126,590 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $150,700 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Computer Hardware Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 19,820 people are employed as Computer Hardware Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Computer Hardware Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Computer Hardware Engineers in California is approximately $89.03 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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