Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop and test computers and related equipment, such as processors, circuit boards, memory and networking devices. Much of their work is done in design and simulation software, followed by testing real prototypes. AI tools can help with parts of design and testing. Deciding what to build and proving it works stays with engineers.
The short answer: more exposed than most engineering, but growing fast. The ILO's 2025 index rates electronics engineers, the closest group, at gradient 2 with a score of 0.42. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 4,100 openings a year. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
How exposed computer hardware engineers are
The International Labour Organization scores occupations' tasks from 0 (cannot be automated with generative AI) to 1 (could be done without a human operator), and groups them into gradients from 1 to 4, with 4 the most exposed; below them sit minimal exposure and not exposed (ILO Working Paper 140, 2025).
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO category | Mean task score (0 to 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Engineers | Gradient 2 | 0.42 |
The ILO scores groups of occupations, so this is the closest group for computer hardware engineers, not a score for the job title itself.
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Computer hardware engineers | Grow 9% | About 4,100 |
The BLS expects demand to grow because these engineers are needed to design parts for manufactured products that use processors and other components, such as household appliances, medical devices and automobiles. Its outlook does not mention AI.
Where AI is helping
- Speeding up layout and verification steps in design software.
- Drafting test code and scripts for engineers to review.
- Searching datasheets, specs and past design notes.
What stays with computer hardware engineers
- Architecture: deciding what a chip or system must do and the trade-offs.
- Testing prototypes: finding why real hardware fails when simulation said it would work.
- Working with others: software teams, manufacturers and customers.
- Checking AI help: generated code, specs and analysis can be wrong, which NIST calls confabulation (NIST AI 600-1). See checking AI output.
How the job is changing
As more everyday products carry processors, demand for hardware design keeps rising. Engineers who can use automated design tools well, and still verify the result, are better placed. This page is general information, not career advice.
See also will AI replace software engineers?, will AI replace semiconductor technicians? and will AI replace network architects?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for computer hardware engineers at $161,740 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: bachelor's degree. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace computer hardware engineers?
Not on current projections. The BLS projects 9 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 4,100 openings a year.
How exposed are computer hardware engineers to AI?
The ILO rates electronics engineers, the closest group, at gradient 2 with a score of 0.42.
What is driving demand?
The BLS points to processors and components in products such as appliances, medical devices and cars.
Where does AI help?
Mainly in design software, test scripts and searching technical documents, with engineers verifying the results.