Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Computer Hardware Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $156,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $158,430, suggesting a highly competitive market where specialized skills are valued. The robust presence of technology and government sectors in this region likely contributes to the demand and compensation for these critical roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $156,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $220,960.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Computer Hardware Engineers comprises 2,060 professionals, indicating a substantial and established talent pool. With a Location Quotient of 1.35, this region demonstrates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, signaling robust demand and a dynamic job market for skilled hardware engineers.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-1.2%below the national average.
$75.3
$3,010
$13,043
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 the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased investment in technology, defense, and infrastructure projects within the region would naturally drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for these specialized professionals.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available as professionals advance through junior, mid-level, and principal engineering roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $94,420 | $45.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $117,383 | $56.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $153,340 | $73.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $195,638 | $94.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $220,960 | $106.2 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$156,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$156,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $156,510 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the local economy, offering a stable financial standing for professionals compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
2,060
Total Jobs
0.661
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.35 signifies that Computer Hardware Engineers are 35% more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these professionals, suggesting a competitive but favorable market for those with the requisite skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $148,640↓ 5% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $126,480↓ 19% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $156,510. This typically ranges from $94,420 for entry-level positions to $220,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 1.2% lower than the national median of $158,430.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers.The region offers an average salary of $156,510, which is very competitive nationally, and the cost of living is at the national average, allowing for strong purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($148,640) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $156,510, which is slightly below the national average of $158,430.
What is the concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.35, indicating that Computer Hardware Engineers are 35% more concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting higher demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $156,510 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What is the size of the Computer Hardware Engineer workforce locally?
The total local workforce for Computer Hardware Engineers consists of 2,060 professionals, indicating a significant presence in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,060 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.661 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV