Computer Hardware Engineers vs Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $54,430 more per year than Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals — that's 54.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $168,210 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
$61,860$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $61,860 | +$23,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $77,260 | +$38,240 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $100,590 | +$54,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $133,870 | +$51,510 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $168,210 | +$55,610 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $112,690 | +$44,080 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
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 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $155,990 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $142,540 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $131,390 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $129,230 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $128,890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $54,430 (54.1% 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 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salaries range from $61,860 (10th percentile) to $168,210 (90th percentile), with a median of $100,590.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $100,590. 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