by our College Data Analytics TeamA 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. Continue reading for the important information every computer hardware technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer hardware technology programs.
Across the country, computer hardware technology is a popular field of study, with 18 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Hardware Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 5 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer hardware technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer hardware technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Computer Hardware Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer hardware technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a computer hardware technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a computer hardware technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer hardware technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 10 |
People currently working in careers related to computer hardware technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer hardware technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in computer hardware technology opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer hardware technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer hardware technology.
| 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% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of computer hardware technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,769 |
| 4 years | $47,945 |
| 5 years | $55,101 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer hardware technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer hardware technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 5 different computer hardware technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer hardware technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering computer hardware technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician | 1,272 |
| Computer Engineering Technology/Technician | 1,215 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | 492 |
| Computer Software Technology/Technician | 278 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
