Budget Analysts vs Computer Hardware Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $67,090 more per year than Budget Analysts professionals — that's 76.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Budget Analysts earns $134,640 compared to $223,820 for Computer Hardware Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Budget Analysts$60,510 – $134,640
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
$60,510$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Budget Analysts | Computer Hardware Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,510 | $85,430 | $-24,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,240 | $115,500 | $-43,260 |
| Median (50th) | $87,930 | $155,020 | $-67,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,380 | $185,380 | $-75,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,640 | $223,820 | $-89,180 |
| Mean (Average) | $93,920 | $156,770 | $-62,850 |
Employment Numbers
Budget Analysts
47,170
employed nationwide
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Budget Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $141,590 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $125,170 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $121,890 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $104,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $103,960 |
Best Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $197,090 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $174,070 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $172,920 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $170,570 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $169,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Budget Analysts or Computer Hardware Engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $67,090 (76.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Budget Analysts?
Budget Analysts salaries range from $60,510 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $87,930.
What is the salary range for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers salaries range from $85,430 (10th percentile) to $223,820 (90th percentile), with a median of $155,020.
How many Budget Analysts and Computer Hardware Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 47,170 Budget Analysts positions and 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Hardware Engineers to Budget Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Budget Analysts has a median salary of $87,930 while Computer Hardware Engineers earns $155,020. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS