If you’ve ever taken a computer apart and put it back together, you’re a good candidate for a career in computer engineering. By learning how to become a computer hardware engineer, you can make your hobby your career. In this guide, we’ll explore the education, skills, and other essential experience you’ll need for a career in this field.

A computer hardware engineer works to construct the physical components of computer technology. They make circuit boards, processors, routers, smartphone parts, devices that connect to the Internet of things (IoT), and much more.

As with most fields, the profession is broken up into a number of specializations. Some computer engineers do research, others participate in the design process, others develop the parts themselves, and others test computer systems, peripherals, and components. Working as part of a team, you’ll be on the frontlines building and testing the latest technologies.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for computer hardware engineers is $119,560. BLS also projects that the field will expand by two percent from 2019 to 2029. This works out to about 1,100 new jobs.

While this projected growth rate is slower than average, continued innovation in the Internet of things (IoT) is one reason to believe that the demand for computer hardware engineers will outpace the BLS projection. As suppliers of embedded chips for IoT appliances ramp up production, the manufacturing sector will need more hardware engineers.

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering from an accredited program. Those who attend the best computer engineering schools will be the most competitive candidates for jobs right out of college, but there are also high-quality online bachelor’s programs in computer engineering.

According to PayScale, an entry-level computer hardware engineer stands to make about $75,376 per year. Your starting salary will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the job and the company you go to work for.

To ace your interview, make sure to research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Be confident in your skills, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification if you don’t understand something. Although you could be asked any number of things, you can prepare for your technical interview by studying the following list of common questions.

Computer engineers design hardware, conduct research, improve existing devices, and conduct tests. The specific work you will do depends on the industry and role you choose to go into. Below is a rundown of the most common duties.

Regardless of their actual job title, all computer engineers should be equipped with problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. While having a mix of hard and soft skills is essential, the most important technical skills are listed below.

Becoming a computer hardware engineer can take anywhere from four to seven years. A bachelor’s degree takes around four years, and a master’s degree would require an additional two years. If you participate in internships during semester breaks or concurrently with courses, your period of training could be slightly longer.

Yes. Although many industries have been hurt by the pandemic, the electronics industry is still flourishing. This is because consumers are excited to try out new smart devices and appliances, and the shift to a working-from-home culture is leading many people to upgrade their devices. As a computer hardware engineer, you will be an integral part of these advances.