Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Columbia, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, SC

Median annual salary $101,780 -34.3% vs national
Median hourly $48.93
10th percentile $50,660
90th percentile $208,450
Employed locally 30
National median $155,020

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Computer Hardware Engineers
in
Columbia, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,660
    25th
    $68,540
    50th (median)
    $101,780
    75th
    $163,380
    90th
    $208,450

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $66,146 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer Hardware Engineers salary vs area income 154% Median Computer Hardware Engineers salary is 54% 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
    Charleston-North Charleston, SC $120,810
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $117,790
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $117,290
    Wisconsin $98,040

    Related occupations in Columbia, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Civil Engineers$96,070
    Industrial Engineers$93,720
    Mechanical Engineers$97,580
    Electrical Engineers$101,350
    Architectural and Civil Drafters$61,340
    Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$62,930

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Computer Hardware Engineers in Columbia, SC is $48.93, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $82.74 or more per hour.

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

    The median Computer Hardware Engineers salary in Columbia, SC is 34.3% 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 Columbia?

    Entry-level Computer Hardware Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $50,660 per year in Columbia, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $68,540.