SalaryByCity

Computer Hardware Engineers vs Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer Hardware Engineers

$155,020

Median annual salary

75,710 employed nationally

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

$62,340

Median annual salary

632,430 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $92,680 more per year than Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses professionals — that's 148.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $80,510 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$47,960 – $80,510
$47,960$223,820

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer Hardware EngineersLicensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesDifference
10th Percentile$85,430$47,960+$37,470
25th Percentile$115,500$55,220+$60,280
Median (50th)$155,020$62,340+$92,680
75th Percentile$185,380$73,160+$112,220
90th Percentile$223,820$80,510+$143,310
Mean (Average)$156,770$64,150+$92,620

Employment Numbers

Computer Hardware Engineers

75,710

employed nationwide

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

632,430

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers

CityMedian
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 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$92,840
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$90,810
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$80,480
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$79,460
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA$78,870

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $92,680 (148.7% 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 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salaries range from $47,960 (10th percentile) to $80,510 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,340.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 632,430 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earns $62,340. 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

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS