Computer Engineering
Computer engineering sits between electrical engineering and computer science: designing processors, circuit boards, embedded systems and the low-level software that runs on them. Graduates work as computer hardware engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, and software developers.
Where Computer Engineering can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer hardware engineers | $161,740 | +9% Much faster than average |
4,100 | Bachelor's degree |
| Software developers Outlook and openings for BLS group: software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers |
$135,980 | +10% Much faster than average |
106,100 | Bachelor's degree |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | $125,040 | +8% Much faster than average |
16,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What computer hardware engineers earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 24% | $166,150 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 18% | $171,820 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 15% | $155,470 |
| Information | 7% | $169,030 |
| Federal government | 6% | $136,990 |
Source: BLS, computer hardware engineers (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for computer hardware engineers in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 19,820 | $185,180 | $190,590 |
| Texas | 7,390 | $163,860 | $161,360 |
| New Mexico | 5,260 | $165,350 | $163,890 |
| Florida | 3,290 | $134,160 | $137,810 |
| Massachusetts | 3,150 | $167,600 | $177,030 |
BLS publishes estimates for 45 of the 51 areas (50 states and DC) for this occupation; the others are withheld for confidentiality or reliability. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time.
Common tasks
- Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
- Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Work more than 40 hours a week | |
| Use email every day | |
| Sit continually or almost continually | |
| Have some freedom to make decisions |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Realistic, Investigative, Conventional. Source: O*NET OnLine, 17-2061.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Math, physics, code
Calculus, physics and programming.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Computer engineering, ideally ABET-accredited.
- Step 3
Labs and co-ops
Internships in hardware, semiconductors or embedded systems.
- Step 4
Hardware or embedded role
Hardware engineer, embedded software or electronics engineer.
- Goal
Specialize
Chip design, systems architecture or a master's for advanced design roles.
High school preparation
- Calculus and physics (AP Physics C where offered)
- AP Computer Science A
- Electronics, robotics or maker clubs
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
Typically a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field such as electrical engineering, with coursework in circuit design and computer and operating systems organization; familiarity with programming helps.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | |
| Master's degree |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for computer hardware engineers: communication skills, computer skills, critical-thinking skills, problem-solving skills.
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Granted by state engineering licensing boards. Each state board sets its own application rules, fees and approval steps; many states require continuing education to renew.
Not always required: Many engineering jobs do not require a PE. BLS: a PE is required to offer services directly to the public (e.g. civil engineers signing off public projects); entry-level civil engineers do not need one. Computer hardware and most software/industry roles rarely require a PE.
Full step-by-step licensing route →Why demand is changing
BLS says these engineers are needed to design processors and components for manufactured products such as household appliances, medical devices and automobiles.
Much faster than average
Computer hardware engineers
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Plan for graduate study if you want advanced chip design: 34% of hardware engineers told O*NET a master's is required for their job.
- Expect long weeks at times — 76% of hardware engineers reported working more than 40 hours.
- Jobs cluster in a few states: California had most hardware engineer jobs in May 2025, followed by Texas and New Mexico.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer hardware engineers checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software developers checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electrical and electronics engineers checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 17-2061.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07
- FE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- PE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- What Programs Does ABET Accredit? · ABET checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Outlook Handbook · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics checked 2026-10-07