National Salary Overview
Computer Hardware Engineers
Median Salary
$130,163
Average (Mean)
$134,722
Employed Nationwide
66,950
VS
Computer Hardware Engineers earns $15,729 more (13.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$130,163
$114,433
Average (Mean) Salary
$134,722
$119,149
Total Employment
66,950
192,150
States with Higher Pay
31
8
Salary by State: Computer Hardware Engineers vs Electrical Engineers
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 31 states; Electrical Engineers pays more in 8.
| State | Computer Hardware Engineers | Electrical Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $136,990 | $125,630 | +$11,360 | ||
| Arizona | $158,280 | $100,550 | +$57,730 | ||
| Arkansas | $120,290 | $96,860 | +$23,430 | ||
| California | $185,180 | $144,040 | +$41,140 | ||
| Colorado | $156,080 | $120,760 | +$35,320 | ||
| Delaware | $135,690 | $126,970 | +$8,720 | ||
| District of Columbia | $163,360 | $143,000 | +$20,360 | ||
| Florida | $134,160 | $104,780 | +$29,380 | ||
| Hawaii | $159,880 | $106,350 | +$53,530 | ||
| Idaho | $131,570 | $129,340 | +$2,230 | ||
| Illinois | $133,220 | $107,860 | +$25,360 | ||
| Indiana | $98,350 | $102,670 | $-4,320 | ||
| Iowa | $125,120 | $105,820 | +$19,300 | ||
| Kansas | $101,750 | $102,630 | $-880 | ||
| Kentucky | $116,200 | $98,550 | +$17,650 | ||
| Louisiana | $83,550 | $123,710 | $-40,160 | ||
| Maryland | $152,730 | $125,150 | +$27,580 | ||
| Massachusetts | $167,600 | $127,720 | +$39,880 | ||
| Michigan | $119,670 | $106,070 | +$13,600 | ||
| Minnesota | $134,300 | $109,510 | +$24,790 | ||
| Mississippi | $78,320 | $104,990 | $-26,670 | ||
| Missouri | $103,980 | $118,670 | $-14,690 | ||
| Nebraska | $134,950 | $107,260 | +$27,690 | ||
| Nevada | $116,530 | $107,400 | +$9,130 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,140 | $135,710 | $-6,570 | ||
| New Jersey | $142,880 | $125,370 | +$17,510 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,350 | $158,520 | +$6,830 | ||
| New York | $163,470 | $119,010 | +$44,460 | ||
| North Carolina | $134,670 | $110,130 | +$24,540 | ||
| Ohio | $118,160 | $100,620 | +$17,540 | ||
| Oklahoma | $95,600 | $107,760 | $-12,160 | ||
| South Carolina | $125,110 | $98,440 | +$26,670 | ||
| South Dakota | $101,400 | $98,980 | +$2,420 | ||
| Tennessee | $130,830 | $104,450 | +$26,380 | ||
| Texas | $163,860 | $129,450 | +$34,410 | ||
| Utah | $106,950 | $105,720 | +$1,230 | ||
| Virginia | $139,030 | $119,030 | +$20,000 | ||
| Washington | $169,120 | $132,710 | +$36,410 | ||
| Wisconsin | $83,670 | $99,700 | $-16,030 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Computer Hardware Engineers vs Electrical Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
On average across all states, a Computer Hardware Engineers earns more than a Electrical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $15,729 (13.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Hardware Engineers earn more than a Electrical Engineers?
A Computer Hardware Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Electrical Engineers in 31 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Electrical Engineers pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers vs Electrical Engineers?
The national median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers is $130,163 per year, compared to $114,433 for a Electrical Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Hardware Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 66,950 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 192,150 Electrical Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Computer Hardware Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
Both Computer Hardware Engineers and Electrical 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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