Computer Hardware Engineers vs Mechanical 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 $52,700 more per year than Mechanical Engineers professionals — that's 51.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$68,740$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $68,740 | +$16,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $81,800 | +$33,700 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $102,320 | +$52,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $130,290 | +$55,090 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $161,240 | +$62,580 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $110,080 | +$46,690 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
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 Mechanical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $147,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,640 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,660 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $126,870 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $124,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $52,700 (51.5% 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 Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers salaries range from $68,740 (10th percentile) to $161,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,320.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Mechanical Engineers earns $102,320. 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