Computer Hardware Engineers vs Construction Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $48,040 more per year than Construction Managers professionals — that's 44.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $176,990 for Construction Managers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Construction Managers$65,160 – $176,990
$65,160$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Construction Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $65,160 | +$20,270 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $83,480 | +$32,020 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $106,980 | +$48,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $139,330 | +$46,050 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $176,990 | +$46,830 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $119,660 | +$37,110 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Construction Managers
348,330
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Construction Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $151,980 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $138,000 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $136,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,730 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $128,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Construction Managers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $48,040 (44.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Construction Managers?
Construction Managers salaries range from $65,160 (10th percentile) to $176,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $106,980.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Construction Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 348,330 Construction Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Construction Managers to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Construction Managers earns $106,980. 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