25 of the Highest Paying Desktop Engineer Jobs in 2026

The best Desktop Engineer jobs can pay up to $195,000 per year.

High Paying Desktop Engineer Jobs

• Senior ASIC Design Engineer

  Salary range: $159,000 - $195,000

  The majority of Senior ASIC Design Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $159,000 (25th percentile) and $195,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior ASIC Design Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Computer Architect

  Salary range: $167,500 - $182,500

  A computer architect designs software to enhance a company’s network performance. As a computer architect, you design software, write algorithms, and engineer new systems to improve performance and function goals. Your responsibilities include maintaining data and putting together new components to help the business systems run more efficiently based on the company’s needs. Computer architects may also work with computer hardware, researching, developing, designing, and testing computer equipment.

• ASIC Design Engineer

  Salary range: $131,500 - $180,000

  An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is an electronic circuit created for a specific purpose, rather than for general use. ASIC design engineers create product design specification (PDS) statements for ASIC, optimize logic design, and create architectural design models. ASIC design engineers often work on a team to deliver ASIC design solutions for standard and complex computing. Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) tools, logic simulation, Verilog, and other hardware description languages (HDLs) is integral to career success.

• Desktop Architect

  Salary range: $159,000 - $176,000

  A desktop architect, also called a systems architect, is responsible for providing technical expertise to the users of a company’s computer desktops or workstations. Your job duties include establishing technical standards for computer workstations, working with management of the company to enforce these architectural standards, and identifying areas for improvement. The qualifications for a career as a desktop architect include a bachelor’s degree, although some employers prefer a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. A successful desktop architect needs strong technical and interpersonal skills.

• Hardware Design Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $174,000

  A hardware design engineer uses their advanced knowledge of computer systems and schematics to develop and build useful hardware. Their duties include identifying hardware needs, building new hardware pieces, and testing and analyzing the results to ensure the system works as desired. Hardware design engineers must have in-depth knowledge of computer components and processes to understand internet-ready computer systems. They must maintain their knowledge of the latest software and networking needs so they can design hardware that interacts with the internet appropriately. Hardware design engineers work in teams with software developers to ensure that all components are capable of working together.

• Digital Hardware Design Engineer

  Salary range: $91,000 - $174,000

  The majority of Digital Hardware Design Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $91,000 (25th percentile) and $174,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Digital Hardware Design Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Computer Hardware Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $171,000

  Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware components, such as screens, motherboards, and memory. They may also work with products that include a computer system, such as cars, home entertainment components, and appliances that connect to the internet. Your responsibilities include creating design drawings and collaborating with manufacturers to ensure the devices are produced to specifications. You may also work with software developers to ensure compatibility. You must be able to read and design technical drawings and be able to communicate effectively with all participants in the project.

• Hardware Engineering Manager

  Salary range: $140,500 - $168,500

  The majority of Hardware Engineering Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $140,500 (25th percentile) and $168,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Hardware Engineering Manager job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

• ASIC Engineer

  Salary range: $166,000 - $166,000

  An ASIC Engineer works with the design and verification of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). This type of integrated circuit is designed for a specified purpose, like digital voice recording or cryptocurrency mining. An ASIC engineer has experience and skills that they use to program the integrated circuit based on defined requirements. They are capable of designing and producing ASICs that have over 100 million logic gates.

• Hardware Engineer

  Salary range: $123,500 - $163,000

  A hardware engineer, or computer hardware engineer, specializes in all aspects of computer hardware, including testing, repairing, building, and maintaining its efficiency. As a hardware engineer, your responsibilities include developing and installing new hardware systems for businesses, providing tech support to users with hardware issues, along with designing and building new products for manufacturers. You may specialize in areas such as internal components, servers, electrical engineering, cellular and tablet devices, or traditional computers and networks.

• Embedded Hardware Engineer

  Salary range: $100,500 - $156,500

  The majority of Embedded Hardware Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $100,500 (25th percentile) and $156,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Embedded Hardware Engineer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Senior Hardware Design Engineer

  Salary range: $120,500 - $153,000

  The majority of Senior Hardware Design Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $120,500 (25th percentile) and $153,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Hardware Design Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Senior Hardware Engineer

  Salary range: $110,500 - $147,500

  The majority of Senior Hardware Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $110,500 (25th percentile) and $147,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Hardware Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Technical Service Engineer

  Salary range: $99,000 - $143,000

  The majority of Technical Service Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $99,000 (25th percentile) and $143,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Technical Service Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Windows Desktop Engineer

  Salary range: $95,500 - $137,500

  The majority of Windows Desktop Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $95,500 (25th percentile) and $137,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Windows Desktop Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Computer Engineer

  Salary range: $111,500 - $131,500

  A computer engineer designs, researches, tests, and develops computer equipment and software such as circuit boards, chips, routers, and application programs. Computer engineers analyze complex equipment and systems to understand the best way to improve it. They create new types of information technology devices and use logic and reasoning to hone in on goals, test assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. Engineers often work in teams and have to be able to communicate with other types of engineers, including non-technical team members. Computer engineers make sure that components fit together properly and function according to the latest software developments.

• Software Support Engineer

  Salary range: $56,000 - $125,000

  The majority of Software Support Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $56,000 (25th percentile) and $125,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Software Support Engineer job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

• Senior Support Engineer

  Salary range: $81,500 - $124,500

  The majority of Senior Support Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $81,500 (25th percentile) and $124,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Support Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Hardware Developer

  Salary range: $90,000 - $107,500

  The majority of Hardware Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $90,000 (25th percentile) and $107,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Hardware Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Product Support Engineer

  Salary range: $61,500 - $97,000

  The majority of Product Support Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $61,500 (25th percentile) and $97,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Product Support Engineer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Cae Engineer

  Salary range: $80,000 - $96,500

  A CAE engineer is an individual that uses computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to test the characteristics of a 3D model, such as the material’s strength, fatigue, and stress limits. While many CAE engineers possess drafting skills as well, this process varies significantly from CAD, as you are analyzing instead of designing. As a CAE engineer, your job duties include collaborating with system engineers and component engineers, using finite element analysis (FEA) software, and providing reports about your findings. The qualifications for a CAE engineering career are a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and several years of engineering experience.

• Service Engineer

  Salary range: $67,000 - $95,000

  A service engineer, also called a field service engineer, installs, repairs, and maintains equipment for clients. As a service engineer, you are the face of your company, traveling on-site to troubleshoot the issues your client has with the machinery. Depending on where your client is located, you may work in offices, factories, or health care facilities; indoor or outdoor areas; locally or overseas. You may specialize in a particular industry or type of equipment, but you need to have broad knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and technological principles. Service engineers may also collaborate with design teams to configure the proper machinery to fit each client’s needs and train employees in the organization to use the equipment.

• IT Support Engineer

  Salary range: $50,500 - $76,000

  The majority of IT Support Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $76,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the IT Support Engineer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Help Desk Engineer

  Salary range: $49,000 - $72,000

  The majority of Help Desk Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Help Desk Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Desktop Support Engineer

  Salary range: $43,000 - $64,000

  A desktop support engineer manages the computers and laptops for an organization. As a desktop support engineer, you may work as a member of the IT team for a business or as an employee of a technical support company, servicing multiple clients. Common job duties involve troubleshooting technology issues, maintaining equipment and software, and training new users at the company. Many desktop support engineers also help handle computer system security issues and fix problems with network servers. In addition to computer skills, the position requires a flexible schedule, the willingness to work long hours, and the ability to take on several different roles as needed.