Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Massachusetts
Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts command an impressive average annual salary of $174,290, significantly surpassing the national average of $158,430. This elevated compensation is driven by the state's robust technology sector, high demand for specialized engineering talent, and the concentration of leading tech companies and research institutions that foster innovation and require advanced hardware expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $174,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $219,520.
- Outlook: The job market for Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts appears robust, underscored by a substantial local workforce of 3,350 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.87 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand from the state's thriving tech ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts earns+10.0%above the national average.
$83.8
$3,352
$14,524
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts has experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend would align with the broader technological advancements and the increasing complexity of hardware systems, driving up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their specialized knowledge, project leadership capabilities, and contribution to complex hardware development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $118,350 | $56.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $130,718 | $62.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $170,570 | $82 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $217,863 | $104.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $219,520 | $105.5 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$174,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$117,446
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the average annual salary of $174,290 in Massachusetts is substantial, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This index, significantly above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power may be somewhat moderated by the increased expenses associated with living in the state, particularly in major metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
3,350
Total Jobs
0.92
Per 1K Jobs
1.87
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 1.9x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.87 for Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts signifies a market where this profession is more than 87% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, with a strong presence of employers actively seeking this specific skill set, suggesting abundant opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $159,500↓ 8% | 14 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $175,380↑ 1% | 24 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $126,110↓ 28% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts is $174,290. This typically ranges from $118,350 for entry-level positions to $219,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 10.0% higher than the national median of $158,430.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Yes, Massachusetts is a highly lucrative state for Computer Hardware Engineers.The average salary of $174,290 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of tech industries supports strong demand and compensation for these specialized roles.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($159,500) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?
Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts earn an average of $174,290 annually, which is approximately $15,860 higher than the national average of $158,430.
What is the concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a Location Quotient of 1.87 for Computer Hardware Engineers, meaning the profession is 87% more concentrated there than the national average, indicating a strong presence of these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Massachusetts?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is considerably more expensive than the national average. While the high salary offers good earning potential, the increased cost of living should be factored into financial planning.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
A local workforce of 3,350 Computer Hardware Engineers suggests a significant pool of talent and a substantial number of active positions within the state, reflecting the importance of this sector in Massachusetts.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,350 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.92 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 Massachusetts