As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Hardware Systems Engineer in California is $84,254, equivalent to $41 per hour, $1,620 weekly, or $7,021 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Hardware Systems Engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Hardware Systems Engineer in California vary widely, spanning from $70,192 to $97,203. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($76,893) and 75th percentile ($91,032), while top earners (90th percentile) make $97,203 per year. This $14,139 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Hardware Design, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California Hardware Systems Engineer often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 59 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Hardware Systems Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Hardware Systems Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $70,192 CA May 01, 2026
25th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $76,893 CA May 01, 2026
50th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $84,254 CA May 01, 2026
75th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $91,032 CA May 01, 2026
90th Percentile Hardware Systems Engineer Salary $97,203 CA May 01, 2026
25% $76,893 10% $70,192 90% $97,203 75% $91,032 $84,254 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A Hardware Systems Engineer ?

A Hardware Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing hardware components and systems. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that hardware meets performance, reliability, and cost requirements. Key tasks include creating specifications, conducting feasibility studies, and performing system integration. Engineers in this position utilize various tools and methodologies to troubleshoot and optimize hardware performance. The salary for a Hardware Systems Engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experienc...

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Coachella, CA Avg. Salary $78,198 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Acampo, CA Avg. Salary $83,134 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Acton, CA Avg. Salary $83,352 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Adelanto, CA Avg. Salary $80,721 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Adin, CA Avg. Salary $78,867 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Agoura Hills, CA Avg. Salary $83,141 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Aguanga, CA Avg. Salary $80,061 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Ahwahnee, CA Avg. Salary $78,397 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Alameda, CA Avg. Salary $94,689 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Alamo, CA Avg. Salary $92,080 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Job Openings for Hardware Systems Engineer in California

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Hardware Systems Engineer

    0 - 2 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Hardware Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree