National Salary Overview
Computer Hardware Engineers
Median Salary
$130,163
Average (Mean)
$134,722
Employed Nationwide
66,950
VS
Computer Hardware Engineers earns $21,296 more (19.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$130,163
$108,867
Average (Mean) Salary
$134,722
$113,824
Total Employment
66,950
22,470
States with Higher Pay
31
7
Salary by State: Computer Hardware Engineers vs Materials Engineers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 31 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 7.
| State | Computer Hardware Engineers | Materials Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $136,990 | $107,580 | +$29,410 | ||
| Arizona | $158,280 | $106,810 | +$51,470 | ||
| Arkansas | $120,290 | $103,900 | +$16,390 | ||
| California | $185,180 | $128,470 | +$56,710 | ||
| Colorado | $156,080 | $124,030 | +$32,050 | ||
| Delaware | $135,690 | $131,320 | +$4,370 | ||
| Florida | $134,160 | $118,780 | +$15,380 | ||
| Georgia | $100,210 | $100,840 | $-630 | ||
| Idaho | $131,570 | $105,820 | +$25,750 | ||
| Illinois | $133,220 | $126,620 | +$6,600 | ||
| Indiana | $98,350 | $101,120 | $-2,770 | ||
| Iowa | $125,120 | $64,270 | +$60,850 | ||
| Kansas | $101,750 | $100,000 | +$1,750 | ||
| Kentucky | $116,200 | $100,620 | +$15,580 | ||
| Louisiana | $83,550 | $128,670 | $-45,120 | ||
| Maryland | $152,730 | $140,640 | +$12,090 | ||
| Massachusetts | $167,600 | $114,100 | +$53,500 | ||
| Michigan | $119,670 | $94,050 | +$25,620 | ||
| Minnesota | $134,300 | $106,220 | +$28,080 | ||
| Mississippi | $78,320 | $78,700 | $-380 | ||
| Missouri | $103,980 | $98,860 | +$5,120 | ||
| Nebraska | $134,950 | $98,270 | +$36,680 | ||
| Nevada | $116,530 | $99,010 | +$17,520 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,140 | $101,290 | +$27,850 | ||
| New Jersey | $142,880 | $106,920 | +$35,960 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,350 | $165,600 | $-250 | ||
| New York | $163,470 | $125,900 | +$37,570 | ||
| North Carolina | $134,670 | $104,240 | +$30,430 | ||
| Ohio | $118,160 | $106,510 | +$11,650 | ||
| Oklahoma | $95,600 | $99,950 | $-4,350 | ||
| Rhode Island | $119,510 | $87,180 | +$32,330 | ||
| South Carolina | $125,110 | $121,610 | +$3,500 | ||
| Tennessee | $130,830 | $91,940 | +$38,890 | ||
| Texas | $163,860 | $117,700 | +$46,160 | ||
| Utah | $106,950 | $88,080 | +$18,870 | ||
| Virginia | $139,030 | $116,720 | +$22,310 | ||
| Washington | $169,120 | $139,840 | +$29,280 | ||
| Wisconsin | $83,670 | $96,210 | $-12,540 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Computer Hardware Engineers vs Materials Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $21,296 (19.6%) based on 2025 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 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers is $130,163 per year, compared to $108,867 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2025 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 66,950 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 22,470 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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