National Salary Overview
VS
Computer Hardware Engineers
Median Salary
$130,163
Average (Mean)
$134,722
Employed Nationwide
66,950
Computer Hardware Engineers earns $14,530 more (12.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$115,632
$130,163
Average (Mean) Salary
$120,823
$134,722
Total Employment
17,580
66,950
States with Higher Pay
8
26
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Computer Hardware Engineers
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 8 states; Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 26.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Computer Hardware Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $135,030 | $136,990 | $-1,960 | ||
| Arkansas | $105,270 | $120,290 | $-15,020 | ||
| Colorado | $125,800 | $156,080 | $-30,280 | ||
| Delaware | $133,670 | $135,690 | $-2,020 | ||
| Florida | $109,000 | $134,160 | $-25,160 | ||
| Georgia | $103,880 | $100,210 | +$3,670 | ||
| Idaho | $106,740 | $131,570 | $-24,830 | ||
| Illinois | $121,560 | $133,220 | $-11,660 | ||
| Indiana | $113,160 | $98,350 | +$14,810 | ||
| Iowa | $117,590 | $125,120 | $-7,530 | ||
| Kansas | $102,020 | $101,750 | +$270 | ||
| Kentucky | $117,170 | $116,200 | +$970 | ||
| Louisiana | $134,800 | $83,550 | +$51,250 | ||
| Maryland | $127,190 | $152,730 | $-25,540 | ||
| Massachusetts | $118,000 | $167,600 | $-49,600 | ||
| Michigan | $103,230 | $119,670 | $-16,440 | ||
| Minnesota | $107,670 | $134,300 | $-26,630 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,740 | $78,320 | +$28,420 | ||
| Missouri | $102,320 | $103,980 | $-1,660 | ||
| Nebraska | $98,310 | $134,950 | $-36,640 | ||
| New Hampshire | $73,250 | $129,140 | $-55,890 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,760 | $142,880 | $-16,120 | ||
| New Mexico | $158,190 | $165,350 | $-7,160 | ||
| New York | $129,060 | $163,470 | $-34,410 | ||
| North Carolina | $117,410 | $134,670 | $-17,260 | ||
| Ohio | $111,200 | $118,160 | $-6,960 | ||
| Oklahoma | $127,790 | $95,600 | +$32,190 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,590 | $119,510 | $-7,920 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,570 | $125,110 | $-23,540 | ||
| Texas | $132,750 | $163,860 | $-31,110 | ||
| Utah | $85,520 | $106,950 | $-21,430 | ||
| Virginia | $136,380 | $139,030 | $-2,650 | ||
| Washington | $128,290 | $169,120 | $-40,830 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,660 | $83,670 | +$13,990 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Engineers vs Computer Hardware Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $14,530 (12.6%) based on 2025 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 8 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 26 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Computer Hardware Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $115,632 per year, compared to $130,163 for a Computer Hardware Engineers, according to 2025 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 17,580 Chemical Engineers positions and 66,950 Computer Hardware Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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