Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $120,810 -22.1% vs national
Median hourly $58.08
10th percentile $82,620
90th percentile $178,610
Employed locally 230
National median $155,020

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Computer Hardware Engineers
in
Charleston, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $82,620
    25th
    $98,110
    50th (median)
    $120,810
    75th
    $134,430
    90th
    $178,610

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer Hardware Engineers salary vs area income 147% Median Computer Hardware Engineers salary is 47% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Computer Hardware Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $197,090
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $188,540
    Connecticut $188,540
    Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ $184,560
    California $179,880
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $174,070

    Nearby metros — Computer Hardware Engineers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $172,920
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $117,790
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $117,290
    Columbia, SC $101,780
    Wisconsin $98,040

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Civil Engineers $98,880
    Industrial Engineers $105,510
    Mechanical Engineers $107,140
    Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $83,080
    Engineers, All Other $126,170
    Electrical Engineers $114,880

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston, SC is $58.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $84.92 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Computer Hardware Engineers salaries?

    The median Computer Hardware Engineers salary in Charleston, SC is 22.1% below the national median of $155,020. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston?

    Entry-level Computer Hardware Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $82,620 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $98,110.