Computer Hardware Engineers vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $94,010 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 154.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $39,710 | +$45,720 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $48,190 | +$67,310 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $61,010 | +$94,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $78,280 | +$107,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $98,990 | +$124,830 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $66,510 | +$90,260 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $94,010 (154.1% 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. 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