As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Hardware Systems Engineer in California is $84,253, 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 Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Hardware Systems Engineer in California vary widely, spanning from $70,189 to $97,204. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($76,891) and 75th percentile ($91,032), while top earners (90th percentile) make $97,204 per year. This $14,141 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.
