National Salary Overview
Computer Hardware Engineers
Median Salary
$118,629
Average (Mean)
$121,301
Employed Nationwide
78,920
VS
Petroleum Engineers earns $8,532 more (7.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$118,629
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$121,301
$133,521
Total Employment
78,920
19,770
States with Higher Pay
8
15
Salary by State: Computer Hardware Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Hardware Engineers pays more in 8 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 15.
| State | Computer Hardware Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $133,730 | $134,750 | $-1,020 | ||
| Arizona | $132,580 | $143,520 | $-10,940 | ||
| Arkansas | $82,830 | $91,180 | $-8,350 | ||
| California | $169,700 | $134,330 | +$35,370 | ||
| Colorado | $136,810 | $170,010 | $-33,200 | ||
| Florida | $113,280 | $153,530 | $-40,250 | ||
| Illinois | $123,590 | $136,190 | $-12,600 | ||
| Kansas | $93,160 | $116,280 | $-23,120 | ||
| Louisiana | $96,720 | $136,950 | $-40,230 | ||
| Michigan | $115,610 | $108,520 | +$7,090 | ||
| Minnesota | $112,110 | $160,420 | $-48,310 | ||
| Montana | $134,370 | $99,220 | +$35,150 | ||
| Nebraska | $108,870 | $95,590 | +$13,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,460 | $212,230 | $-82,770 | ||
| North Dakota | $100,740 | $131,260 | $-30,520 | ||
| Ohio | $99,100 | $104,140 | $-5,040 | ||
| Oklahoma | $125,380 | $132,360 | $-6,980 | ||
| Oregon | $133,830 | $124,170 | +$9,660 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,140 | $85,810 | +$30,330 | ||
| Texas | $124,630 | $147,840 | $-23,210 | ||
| Utah | $97,540 | $103,650 | $-6,110 | ||
| Virginia | $145,600 | $110,640 | +$34,960 | ||
| Washington | $155,620 | $130,600 | +$25,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Engineers earns more than a Computer Hardware Engineers. The national median salary difference is $8,532 (7.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Hardware Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Computer Hardware Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 8 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers is $118,629 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Hardware Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Computer Hardware Engineers. BLS reports approximately 78,920 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer Hardware Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Computer Hardware Engineers and Petroleum 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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