17-2061.00

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment.

3.5OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
Low Risk

Your job is relatively safe from AI

Safer than 33% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 2% probability of automation for this role
paper →
33%
of jobs safer
95
jobs riskier than this
+5.3%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Hybrid Threat

Both AI software and physical automation threaten different aspects of this role, creating a compound risk from multiple directions.

Hardware engineering involves physical prototyping, testing, and iteration in the physical world — domains AI cannot operate in autonomously. While AI accelerates chip design (EDA tools, simulation), hardware engineers are needed to validate, debug, and iterate on physical products. The field remains firmly human-dependent for decades.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsChatGPT / GPT-4oAmazon Robotics

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$138,080
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
+5.3%
Faster than average
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone 4 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

3.5
3.8
4.1
4.7
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Critical Thinking80%
Active Learning75%
Complex Problem Solving78%
Judgment and Decision Making82%
Reading Comprehension72%

Similar Safe Careers

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Computer Hardware Engineers

3.5
/ 10
Low Risk
35% automation risk

"The robots looked at your job and said 'nah, too human.'"

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COMPUTER HARDWARE ENGINEERS
3.5

/ 10

LOW RISK

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You're safer than 33% of all knowledge workers we track.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →