Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Computer Hardware Engineers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $185,080. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $158,430, reflecting the region's high demand for specialized tech talent and the concentration of leading technology firms. The robust local economy and the presence of innovation hubs are key drivers behind this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $185,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $277,620.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area boasts a substantial local workforce of 5,090 Computer Hardware Engineers, indicating a significant concentration of these professionals. With a Location Quotient of 4.31, the region is over four times more concentrated with this role than the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for their expertise within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+16.8%above the national average.
$89
$3,559
$15,423
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers in a dynamic tech hub like San Francisco have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing demand for advanced hardware solutions, inflation, and competitive pressures among employers likely contribute to an upward trend in compensation for this specialized field.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, typically scales 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 higher percentiles, often exceeding $200,000. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and increased earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $131,950 | $63.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $138,810 | $66.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $172,920 | $83.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $231,350 | $111.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $277,620 | $133.5 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$185,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$185,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $185,080 for Computer Hardware Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is particularly noteworthy given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is directly comparable to the national average, making it a financially stable, albeit not exceptionally cost-advantaged, location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
5,090
Total Jobs
2.117
Per 1K Jobs
4.31
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 4.3x 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.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 4.31 for Computer Hardware Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the region is a significant hub for this profession, with a demand that far outstrips the national average relative to the general workforce. This high LQ points to a competitive but abundant market, offering numerous opportunities for skilled engineers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $203,400↑ 10% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $166,700↓ 10% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $165,340↓ 11% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $185,080. This typically ranges from $131,950 for entry-level positions to $277,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 16.8% higher than the national median of $158,430.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers.The average salary of $185,080 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($203,400) and Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA.
How does the San Francisco salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is $185,080, which is significantly higher than the national average of $158,430.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.31 mean for job prospects?
A Location Quotient of 4.31 signifies that Computer Hardware Engineers are over four times more concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area compared to the national average, indicating a robust and high-demand job market for this profession.
How does the cost of living impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area is at the national average. This means the higher nominal salary of $185,080 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially sound location.
What is the total number of Computer Hardware Engineers in the area?
There are approximately 5,090 Computer Hardware Engineers employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, reflecting a substantial professional community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,090 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 2.117 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Computer Hardware Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA