Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Huntsville, AL
Computer Hardware Engineers in Huntsville, AL, earn an average annual salary of $135,410. This figure is notably below the national average of $158,430, suggesting that while the demand is high, specific local economic factors or industry specialization may influence compensation levels in this vibrant technological hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $135,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: Huntsville presents a robust employment landscape for Computer Hardware Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 650 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.09 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand within the region's specialized industries.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Huntsville, AL earns-14.5%below the national average.
$65.1
$2,604
$11,284
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers in Huntsville have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by ongoing innovation in the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors that are prominent in the Huntsville area.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in Huntsville typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and take on more complex projects, their earning potential increases substantially, with senior engineers commanding salaries well above the average, reflected in the widening percentile gaps.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $81,850 | $39.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $101,558 | $48.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $139,270 | $67 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $169,263 | $81.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$135,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$135,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $135,410 in Huntsville aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Hardware Engineer's salary in Huntsville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals considering relocation.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
2.497
Per 1K Jobs
5.09
Location Quotient
Huntsville, AL has 5.1x the national concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 5.09, Huntsville demonstrates an extraordinary concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers relative to the rest of the United States. This high quotient signifies a highly specialized and competitive job market, where demand significantly outstrips the national average, making it a prime location for this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Huntsville, AL?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Huntsville, AL is $135,410. This typically ranges from $81,850 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 14.5% lower than the national median of $158,430.
Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Yes, with a caveat. While the average salary is below the national average, the exceptionally high concentration of jobs and a cost of living at the national average make it a stable and opportunity-rich environment.The high Location Quotient indicates strong demand and specialization, and the national average cost of living ensures good purchasing power for the $135,410 average salary.
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Huntsville's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Huntsville, AL is $135,410, which is below the national average of $158,430.
What does the Location Quotient of 5.09 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 5.09 means that Computer Hardware Engineers are over five times more concentrated in Huntsville than the national average, indicating a very strong local demand and specialized job market.
Is the cost of living in Huntsville a factor for engineers?
No, the cost of living in Huntsville is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers work in Huntsville?
There are approximately 650 Computer Hardware Engineers employed in Huntsville, AL, representing a significant portion of the local tech workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 2.497 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Huntsville, AL