by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 5 U.S. colleges awarded 25 degrees and certificates in Computer Hardware Technology. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 32% of graduates. Graduates earn a median $39,351 one year after completing, rising to $57,114 after four years.
A major in Computer Hardware Technology involves the study of Computer Hardware Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills To Support Engineers In Designing Computer Hardware And Peripheral Systems. Includes Instruction In Computer Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Computer Electronics, Processors, Peripherals, Testing Equipment, And Computer Manufacturing Processes.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, computer hardware technology is a popular field of study, with 25 degrees awarded annually. 5 colleges award computer hardware technology degrees, an average of 5 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 9.
By level, the 25 awards include 8 associate degrees and 8 master’s degrees.
Women earned 8% of computer hardware technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (2 of 25). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (16) and Black or African American (4), and international students earned 1.
The most common computer hardware technology credential is the associate degree: 8 of the 25 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer hardware technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a computer hardware technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 8 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer hardware technology, at 47.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 47.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Computer Hardware Technology, with an average median salary of $95,412; the strongest outlook belongs to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, at 3.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Thin Film Technician (Thin Film Tech) and Optoelectronic Technician (Optoelectronic Tech).
The occupation related to computer hardware technology with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
Computer Hardware Technology graduates earn a median $39,351 one year after completing their program, $57,114 after four years and $62,129 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,351 |
| 4 years | $57,114 |
| 5 years | $62,129 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer hardware technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Computer Hardware Technology has 4 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 3,371 degrees a year; the largest are Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician (1,213), Computer Engineering Technology/Technician (959) and Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (719). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician | 1,213 |
| Computer Engineering Technology/Technician | 959 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | 719 |
| Computer Software Technology/Technician | 480 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.