Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in California
Computer Hardware Engineers in California earn a median of $185,180 a year, +14% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $185,180
- vs. U.S. median
- +14% ($161,740)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 41
- Jobs in the state
- 19,820
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $126,590; the top 10% earn over $281,210. Nationally the range is $92,940 to $225,330.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists$160,520 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Electrical Engineers$144,040 median in California
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$128,310 median in California
- Microsystems Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$160,520 median in California
- Photonics Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
Computer Hardware Engineers pay in California
How much do computer hardware engineers make in California?
The median is $185,180 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $126,590 and the top 10% earn over $281,210. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for computer hardware engineers?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 41 (+14% vs. the national median of $161,740). Living costs are not included.