National Salary Overview
Computer Hardware Engineers
Median Salary
$118,629
Average (Mean)
$121,301
Employed Nationwide
78,920
VS
Nuclear Engineers earns $7,671 more (6.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$118,629
$126,301
Average (Mean) Salary
$121,301
$126,567
Total Employment
78,920
9,440
States with Higher Pay
9
10
Salary by State: Computer Hardware Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers
Showing 19 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 9 states; Nuclear Engineers pays more in 10.
| State | Computer Hardware Engineers | Nuclear Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $132,930 | $129,460 | +$3,470 | ||
| District of Columbia | $138,670 | $174,390 | $-35,720 | ||
| Florida | $113,280 | $120,190 | $-6,910 | ||
| Illinois | $123,590 | $121,550 | +$2,040 | ||
| Maryland | $137,170 | $127,070 | +$10,100 | ||
| Michigan | $115,610 | $125,130 | $-9,520 | ||
| Missouri | $87,480 | $124,160 | $-36,680 | ||
| New York | $136,170 | $128,200 | +$7,970 | ||
| North Carolina | $131,010 | $116,020 | +$14,990 | ||
| Ohio | $99,100 | $120,290 | $-21,190 | ||
| Oregon | $133,830 | $137,530 | $-3,700 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,140 | $126,530 | $-10,390 | ||
| South Carolina | $120,450 | $104,270 | +$16,180 | ||
| Tennessee | $81,460 | $132,320 | $-50,860 | ||
| Texas | $124,630 | $124,610 | +$20 | ||
| Utah | $97,540 | $134,740 | $-37,200 | ||
| Virginia | $145,600 | $108,990 | +$36,610 | ||
| Washington | $155,620 | $116,100 | +$39,520 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,310 | $122,160 | $-21,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
On average across all states, a Nuclear Engineers earns more than a Computer Hardware Engineers. The national median salary difference is $7,671 (6.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Hardware Engineers earn more than a Nuclear Engineers?
A Computer Hardware Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Nuclear Engineers in 9 out of 19 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Nuclear Engineers pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers?
The national median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers is $118,629 per year, compared to $126,301 for a Nuclear Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Hardware Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
There are more people employed as Computer Hardware Engineers. BLS reports approximately 78,920 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 9,440 Nuclear Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer Hardware Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
Both Computer Hardware Engineers and Nuclear 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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