Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, earn an average annual salary of $134,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $158,430, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Research Triangle Park area. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary is precisely at the national average, offering a unique perspective on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $134,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $222,280.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, comprises 310 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 0.427 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for specialized hardware engineering talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-14.8%below the national average.
$64.9
$2,594
$11,243
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic expansion, technological advancements, and inflation typically drive up compensation for skilled roles like hardware engineering, suggesting that the $134,910 average is likely a snapshot of an upward trajectory.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and project leadership responsibilities can expect compensation well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, with top earners potentially exceeding $170,000 annually.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $71,170 | $34.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $101,183 | $48.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $129,200 | $62.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $168,638 | $81.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $222,280 | $106.9 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$134,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$134,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $134,910 for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Raleigh-Cary is equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly more nor less affordable than the typical US city when considering this specific profession's income.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.427
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 0.87x the national average concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the talent pool exists, it is not disproportionately large compared to other occupations in the area, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled engineers seeking opportunities without facing extreme market saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $172,230↑ 28% | 18 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $134,910. This typically ranges from $71,170 for entry-level positions to $222,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 14.8% lower than the national median of $158,430.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $134,910 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $158,430. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($172,230) and others.
How does the Raleigh-Cary salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is $134,910, which is approximately 15% lower than the national average of $158,430.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC for this role?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary has average purchasing power.
Is there high demand for Computer Hardware Engineers in Raleigh-Cary?
The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a demand slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers are there in Raleigh-Cary?
Raleigh-Cary, NC, has a local workforce of 310 Computer Hardware Engineers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 0.427 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC