National Salary Overview
Computer Hardware Engineers
Median Salary
$118,629
Average (Mean)
$121,301
Employed Nationwide
78,920
VS
Computer Hardware Engineers earns $19,049 more (19.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$118,629
$99,580
Average (Mean) Salary
$121,301
$103,867
Total Employment
78,920
23,240
States with Higher Pay
31
9
Salary by State: Computer Hardware Engineers vs Materials Engineers
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 31 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 9.
| State | Computer Hardware Engineers | Materials Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $132,930 | $103,940 | +$28,990 | ||
| Alaska | $133,730 | $113,870 | +$19,860 | ||
| Arizona | $132,580 | $129,190 | +$3,390 | ||
| Arkansas | $82,830 | $95,010 | $-12,180 | ||
| California | $169,700 | $118,270 | +$51,430 | ||
| Connecticut | $146,640 | $106,370 | +$40,270 | ||
| Delaware | $110,270 | $104,630 | +$5,640 | ||
| Florida | $113,280 | $95,350 | +$17,930 | ||
| Georgia | $106,460 | $82,200 | +$24,260 | ||
| Illinois | $123,590 | $98,060 | +$25,530 | ||
| Indiana | $89,190 | $95,140 | $-5,950 | ||
| Iowa | $99,990 | $92,240 | +$7,750 | ||
| Kansas | $93,160 | $93,150 | +$10 | ||
| Louisiana | $96,720 | $99,860 | $-3,140 | ||
| Maryland | $137,170 | $128,410 | +$8,760 | ||
| Massachusetts | $163,820 | $107,260 | +$56,560 | ||
| Michigan | $115,610 | $95,090 | +$20,520 | ||
| Minnesota | $112,110 | $95,540 | +$16,570 | ||
| Mississippi | $81,420 | $70,300 | +$11,120 | ||
| Missouri | $87,480 | $104,830 | $-17,350 | ||
| Montana | $134,370 | $72,380 | +$61,990 | ||
| Nebraska | $108,870 | $85,580 | +$23,290 | ||
| Nevada | $97,980 | $98,420 | $-440 | ||
| New Hampshire | $144,530 | $111,340 | +$33,190 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,460 | $101,300 | +$28,160 | ||
| New York | $136,170 | $95,390 | +$40,780 | ||
| North Carolina | $131,010 | $92,570 | +$38,440 | ||
| North Dakota | $100,740 | $91,440 | +$9,300 | ||
| Ohio | $99,100 | $101,620 | $-2,520 | ||
| Oklahoma | $125,380 | $80,880 | +$44,500 | ||
| Oregon | $133,830 | $126,340 | +$7,490 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,140 | $83,990 | +$32,150 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,280 | $129,590 | $-18,310 | ||
| South Carolina | $120,450 | $96,210 | +$24,240 | ||
| Tennessee | $81,460 | $103,680 | $-22,220 | ||
| Texas | $124,630 | $109,280 | +$15,350 | ||
| Utah | $97,540 | $80,410 | +$17,130 | ||
| Virginia | $145,600 | $104,500 | +$41,100 | ||
| Washington | $155,620 | $125,090 | +$30,530 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,310 | $100,680 | $-370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Materials Engineers?
On average across all states, a Computer Hardware Engineers earns more than a Materials Engineers. The national median salary difference is $19,049 (19.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Hardware Engineers earn more than a Materials Engineers?
A Computer Hardware Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Materials Engineers in 31 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 9 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers is $118,629 per year, compared to $99,580 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Hardware Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Computer Hardware Engineers. BLS reports approximately 78,920 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 23,240 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer Hardware Engineers or Materials Engineers?
Both Computer Hardware Engineers and Materials 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.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.