All occupationsCompare
Export

Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer & Mathematicalmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +5%
Median Wage: $138,080
Employment: 67K

Overall Exposure

44

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

67

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

24

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

30

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

44โ†’58
+14

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

67โ†’79
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

24โ†’39
+15

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

30โ†’43
+13

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202438621825actual
202544672430estimated
202649722935estimated
202754763439estimated
202858793943estimated

Task Breakdown

Design computer hardware components and circuits
35%ฮฒ 0.5
Test and validate hardware prototypes
28%ฮฒ 0
Write technical specifications and documentation
72%ฮฒ 1

About This Occupation

If you work as a Computer Hardware Engineer, AI is gradually augmenting your role. With an automation risk of 30/100 and overall exposure at 44%, this role faces medium transformation. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 30%, Computer Hardware Engineers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Computer Hardware Engineers is 30% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 44%, with 67% theoretical exposure and 24% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is 0 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Computer Hardware Engineers are: Write technical specifications and documentation (72%), Design computer hardware components and circuits (35%), Test and validate hardware prototypes (28%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +5% employment change for Computer Hardware Engineers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 44%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Computer Hardware Engineers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.