Salary distribution
Where Los Angeles computer hardware engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $102,960 and $183,190, with a median of $140,890.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- 02
Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- 03
Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- 04
Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
- 05
Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
- 06
Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
- 07
Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
- 08
Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for computer hardware engineers.
- San Jose$197,090
- San Francisco$172,920
- San Diego$169,230
- Riverside$82,060
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Los Angeles, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Computer Hardware Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $140,890.
- Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Computer Hardware Engineers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is -21.7% versus the California state median of $179,880.
- How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Computer Hardware Engineers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is -8.9% versus the BLS national figure of $154,616.
- What is the salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers in Los Angeles?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,250 and the 90th-percentile at $218,300 for the Los Angeles metro area.
- What education is required for Computer Hardware Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.