SOC 17-2061
Computer Hardware Engineers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ34/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ75,710
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$155K
$85K โ $224K
Projected Growth
๐+7.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค67/100
High exposure
๐ก Computer Hardware Engineers face a risk score of 34/100 โ 10 points below the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $155K ($109K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 34/100, Computer Hardware Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated data interpretation and insight generation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 75,710 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges and on-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Computer Hardware Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated data interpretation and insight generation
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
AI coding assistants reducing developer demand
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
On-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
Client communication and technical consultation
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
๐ป Technology Skills
File versioning software
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided design CAD software
Pattern design software
Development environment software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Design
Mathematics
English Language
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 83% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 75% |
| Physicists | 28 | $166K | 57% |