Childcare Workers 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 $122,970 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 383.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Childcare Workers earns $44,560 compared to $223,820 for Computer Hardware Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
$22,900$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Childcare Workers | Computer Hardware Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,900 | $85,430 | $-62,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $115,500 | $-87,500 |
| Median (50th) | $32,050 | $155,020 | $-122,970 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,960 | $185,380 | $-148,420 |
| 90th Percentile | $44,560 | $223,820 | $-179,260 |
| Mean (Average) | $33,140 | $156,770 | $-123,630 |
Employment Numbers
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
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: Childcare Workers or Computer Hardware Engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $122,970 (383.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
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 Childcare Workers and Computer Hardware Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 520,180 Childcare Workers positions and 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Hardware Engineers to Childcare Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Childcare Workers has a median salary of $32,050 while Computer Hardware Engineers earns $155,020. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS