Chemical Engineers vs Computer Hardware Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Chemical Engineers

Median Salary
$110,377
Average (Mean)
$114,871
Employed Nationwide
19,740
VS

Computer Hardware Engineers

Median Salary
$118,629
Average (Mean)
$121,301
Employed Nationwide
78,920
Computer Hardware Engineers earns $8,252 more (7.5%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $110,377 $118,629
Average (Mean) Salary $114,871 $121,301
Total Employment 19,740 78,920
States with Higher Pay 16 21

Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Computer Hardware Engineers

Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 16 states; Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 21.

State Chemical Engineers Computer Hardware Engineers Difference
Alabama $101,120
$132,930
$-31,810
Arizona $133,550
$132,580
+$970
Arkansas $91,440
$82,830
+$8,610
California $110,920
$169,700
$-58,780
Colorado $107,450
$136,810
$-29,360
Connecticut $94,240
$146,640
$-52,400
Delaware $130,280
$110,270
+$20,010
Florida $104,090
$113,280
$-9,190
Georgia $119,650
$106,460
+$13,190
Illinois $107,080
$123,590
$-16,510
Indiana $105,810
$89,190
+$16,620
Iowa $105,890
$99,990
+$5,900
Kansas $96,830
$93,160
+$3,670
Louisiana $123,420
$96,720
+$26,700
Maryland $122,450
$137,170
$-14,720
Massachusetts $106,810
$163,820
$-57,010
Michigan $105,040
$115,610
$-10,570
Minnesota $103,490
$112,110
$-8,620
Mississippi $97,190
$81,420
+$15,770
Missouri $99,450
$87,480
+$11,970
Montana $128,680
$134,370
$-5,690
Nebraska $102,410
$108,870
$-6,460
New Hampshire $101,580
$144,530
$-42,950
New Jersey $112,350
$129,460
$-17,110
New York $106,720
$136,170
$-29,450
North Carolina $101,900
$131,010
$-29,110
North Dakota $111,150
$100,740
+$10,410
Ohio $108,440
$99,100
+$9,340
Oklahoma $127,930
$125,380
+$2,550
Oregon $96,120
$133,830
$-37,710
Pennsylvania $106,260
$116,140
$-9,880
South Carolina $103,840
$120,450
$-16,610
Tennessee $105,120
$81,460
+$23,660
Texas $153,350
$124,630
+$28,720
Utah $75,500
$97,540
$-22,040
Washington $131,840
$155,620
$-23,780
Wisconsin $104,210
$100,310
+$3,900

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Computer Hardware Engineers?
On average across all states, a Computer Hardware Engineers earns more than a Chemical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $8,252 (7.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Computer Hardware Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Computer Hardware Engineers in 16 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Computer Hardware Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $110,377 per year, compared to $118,629 for a Computer Hardware Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Computer Hardware Engineers?
There are more people employed as Computer Hardware Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions and 78,920 Computer Hardware Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Computer Hardware Engineers?
Both Chemical Engineers and Computer Hardware Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.