What is the average annual salary of a hardware engineer? Job description and recommended qualifications.

2024.04.12

  • Industry Information
ハードウェアエンジニアの平均年収は?仕事内容やオススメの資格も紹介

 Hardware engineers are essential to the development of all electronic products, including computers and home appliances. Machinery, robotics, and information technology have become indispensable for everything from daily life to business, making it one of the most in-demand occupations.

If you are considering a career change to such a hardware engineer, you may be wondering what kind of annual salary you can expect. In this article, we will introduce the average annual salary of hardware engineers. We also introduce specific job descriptions and recommended qualifications, so if you are considering a career change, please take a look at this information.

What is a hardware engineer?


ハードウェアエンジニアとは?

Hardware engineers are involved in the design and development of electronic circuits and components inside PCs, smartphones, and home appliances. They are responsible not only for developing new products, but also for improving existing products and optimizing their performance. These engineers are in demand because they are indispensable in the production of electronic devices that we use on a daily basis.

Working as a hardware engineer requires expertise in computer science and electronics. Programming skills are also required in designing the circuits that make the devices work. Since development is done in teams, communication skills are also essential to be able to smoothly interact with staff members in charge of different areas.

Also, in hardware development, you may face troubles such as products not functioning as designed or circuits not working properly. When trouble occurs, the ability to calmly deal with the problem is also required.

Differences between Hardware Engineers and Embedded Engineers

Embedded engineers are often confused with hardware engineers, but they are different professions. Hardware engineers are engineers whose objective is to develop the hardware itself, such as mechanical design and circuit design.

Embedded engineers, on the other hand, are engineers who use programming languages to develop software to make the hardware work. Thus, there is a big difference in what they develop.

However, since machines are operated by software that is installed in hardware, there is a high degree of relevance between the two types of development. Therefore, it is not uncommon for hardware engineers to be involved in software development. On the other hand, there are cases where embedded engineers are involved in hardware development, so both occupations are easily confused.

Average annual salary of hardware engineers


ハードウェアエンジニアの平均年収

The average annual salary for hardware development ranges from about 5 to 8 million yen. In particular, engineers who design and research and develop semiconductors tend to earn higher annual incomes depending on their level of contribution. The specific average annual salary is in the 5.6 million yen range. For engineers involved in mechanical design, material-related work, and quality control, the average annual salary tends to be slightly lower, in the 5 million yen range.

As is true of engineers in general, actual income fluctuates greatly depending on factors such as experience as an engineer and the skills possessed. If you gain more experience as a hardware engineer while honing your skills and techniques, your annual salary and bonuses will likely increase.

Average Annual Income of Hardware Engineers by Age

The average annual salary for hardware by age group is as follows

AgeAverage annual salary
20s3.85 million yen
30s5.17 million yen
40s6.42 million yen
50s and over8.46 million yen

Source: doda, "What is the average annual salary of an IT engineer? How to aim for a higher salary and examples of career changes are also explained.

The average annual salary increases with age, with those in their 50s and older earning an average of over 8 million yen. As mentioned earlier, since skills and experience are reflected in income, it is thought that those with longer careers as hardware engineers earn higher annual salaries.

In addition, hardware engineers in their 50s may be in higher positions, so their average annual salary tends to be higher than that of other age groups. However, salary ranges vary from company to company, even for the same hardware engineer. The above annual salaries are only averages and should be considered as reference values when considering a career change.

Hardware Engineer Job Description


ハードウェアエンジニアの仕事内容

The work of a hardware engineer is extensive. Here are some specific examples of the types of work that are involved.

Hardware Requirements Definition

The first step in developing a new product is to define the hardware requirements. This is the process of discussing with the client and the team and deciding what kind of product will be created before designing and manufacturing the product. This is a common work process for all types of engineers, not just hardware engineers.

In the requirements definition, it is important to clarify what the product is being developed for and what functions are required. Since this is the process that determines the quality of the product, it is necessary to determine the product concept and design conditions while also keeping user needs and market trends in mind.

Drawing creation and design

Based on the conditions of the decided product concept, hardware design and drawings are created. While the blueprints in the requirements definition stage are rough drawings, more detailed drawings must be created at this stage using tools such as CAD.

In the case of hardware engineers, there are two types of design: mechanical design, which involves designing the structure of the product and chassis, and electronic design, which involves designing the electronic control system. The tools used and the skills required for each design are different, so the tools and designers are selected according to the field.

System design, the main task, includes clarifying specifications and formulating designs, as well as modeling, simulation, and improving and enhancing existing systems. It is also important to design based on various factors such as durability, performance, efficiency, and cost.

Development and Programming of Functions

Once the blueprints and specifications are completed, development begins. Hardware development proceeds by implementing the necessary functions and programs and confirming that they work as designed.

Development often involves fabricating circuit boards and installing parts. Therefore, a variety of knowledge related to machines is required to ensure smooth implementation. In addition, since we also implement programs to run the hardware, an understanding of programming languages and programming skills are also required.

Once the functions and programs are implemented, they are thoroughly checked down to the smallest detail. If any problems are found during the checking phase, the design is reviewed and improved.

System Safety Testing

Once development is complete, safety testing of the system is performed. Safety testing demonstrates the functionality and safety of the product.

First, we test the performance of the product and check whether it meets the conditions set in the requirements definition. Depending on the results, it is also an important task to provide instructions for improvements. In addition, testing also checks whether the system is free from defects or unexpected problems.

In hardware development, it is difficult to achieve ideal results in a single test, and you will probably have to repeat revisions and tests many times. Each time a problem is found in the test results, it must be resolved. Therefore, hardware engineers are required to have advanced skills and knowledge to conduct detailed analysis, identify problems, and propose and implement corrective measures.

Sales to Customers

Hardware engineers are mainly engaged in technical work such as hardware design and development, but they may also engage in sales activities for the purpose of selling their own products to customers and receiving orders for development. In particular, hardware engineers working for automobile manufacturers and peripheral device manufacturers often engage in route sales.

Specific duties include building relationships with customers, giving product presentations and demonstrations, and responding to technical inquiries. When receiving development from clients, they also respond to meetings and listen to requests to determine the definition of requirements.

Many hardware engineers work on a freelance basis. In such cases, they need to sell themselves to clients, so sales skills are essential for this as well.

Recommended Qualifications for Hardware Engineers


ハードウェアエンジニアにオススメの資格

If you want to become a hardware engineer, it will be advantageous to change jobs if you can prove that you can work immediately. There are many certifications related to hardware engineering, and we recommend some of the best.

Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination

The Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination is a national examination authorized by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and is a gateway to success for IT personnel, as it tests basic IT knowledge and skills.

Nearly 140,000 people take this exam every year. If you pass this exam, you will be evaluated by companies as having basic knowledge of IT, which will give you an advantage when you are looking for a new job.

Originally, the exam was held at regular intervals in the first and second halves of the year, but starting April 2023, the exam will be held throughout the year. This makes it possible to apply for the exam on a date that is convenient for you. The exam is administered by computer-based testing (CBT), using computers installed at the exam site, and can be taken from any site in Japan.

Reference: Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination

Semiconductor Engineer Certification Examination

This examination is designed to certify the knowledge required for the design and manufacture of semiconductors. With a certification, you can show that you are a specialist in semiconductors, so it is a good qualification to acquire if you are looking for a job in a semiconductor-related company.

The Semiconductor Engineer Certification Test is available from Level 3 to Level 1, with Level 3 testing basic knowledge and skills in the semiconductor manufacturing process. The Level 2 exam provides more advanced knowledge and skills in semiconductor device manufacturing, design, and process control.

The Level 1 exam certifies the level of knowledge and skills required to improve production processes and solve problems in semiconductor manufacturing plants. Therefore, it is recommended that you eventually aim to obtain the Level 1 certification, as it will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as an engineer or manager in a semiconductor manufacturing plant.

Reference: Semiconductor Engineer Certification Examination

QC (Quality Control) Certification Examination

This is an examination conducted by the Japanese Standards Association Group. As the name suggests, this certification tests knowledge and improvement skills related to quality control, and is recommended for hardware engineers engaged in quality control.

The examinations range from Level 4 to Level 1 and Level 1 to Level 1, and if you want to understand the seven tools and other methods used in QC (Quality Control) and be able to solve quality-related problems on your own, you should aim for Level 2 or higher.

There is no limit to the number of examinations for each level, so you can start from any level. The examination is held twice a year, in September and March, so please pay attention to the timing.

Reference: QC certification test | Japanese Standards Association JSA Group Webdesk

IT Passport Examination

This is a national certification organized by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA). It is not limited to hardware engineers, but it tests basic IT and business knowledge required to work in the IT industry. Although it is not a certification that enhances expertise, it is recommended as a gateway to success for engineers.

The average pass rate is 50%, and the level of difficulty is not that high. If you prepare well for the exam, you have a high probability of passing.

Reference: IT Passport Examination - Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan

Iot System Technology Certification Test

This certification is administered by the Mobile Computing Promotion Consortium (MCPC) and tests knowledge related to the construction and utilization of IoT systems. There are three exams available: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

The basic exam requires an understanding of the fundamentals of IoT, Big Data, and AI. The intermediate level exam requires basic skills in building and utilizing IoT systems. There are no restrictions on eligibility for the intermediate level, and anyone can take the exam.

The advanced level requires more advanced expertise and skills in the construction and utilization of IoT systems. For this reason, the examination requires one of the following certifications: MCPC IoT System Technology Examination Intermediate Level, Waseda University Smart SEE Completion, or Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) from the Information Processing Society of Japan.

Reference: Iot System Technology Certification Examination

Summary: Change your career to become a hardware engineer and increase your income!


まとめ:ハードウェアエンジニアに転職して収入アップを目指そう

The average annual salary of a hardware engineer is over 5 million yen, making it an occupation where one can aim for a high income. Since hardware engineers are indispensable in the production of all kinds of electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, they are in high demand and have a promising future. If you are dissatisfied with your current income and interested in the field of manufacturing, you may want to consider becoming a hardware engineer.

United World offers a wide variety of jobs for hardware engineers. You can find a job that suits you from a wide range of companies, from startups to small and medium-sized companies, large companies, and foreign companies. Our dedicated career advisors will support you with advice on job search and career advancement.

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