Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer Hardware Engineers score 73 out of 100, which is high exposure to AI. That ranks #39 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 18 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 9 on its own and 7 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 8 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

73/ 100

High

Rank: #39of 923 jobs
US workers: 76,660BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $161,740a year
In real AI use: 8 of 18tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 9 (50%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 7 (39%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 2 (11%)

Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Provide training and support to system designers and users.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about computer hardware engineers and AI

Will AI replace computer hardware engineers?

Probably not entirely, but the job is likely to change a lot. Computer Hardware Engineers score 73 out of 100 (high exposure), #39 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 16 of the job's 18 tasks, 9 of them on its own, while 2 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which computer hardware engineers tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology"; "Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives"; "Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system".

Which computer hardware engineers tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed"; "Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 8 of the 18 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as computer hardware engineers, and what do they earn?

About 76,660 people in the US, with median pay of $161,740 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.