Computer Hardware Engineers vs Training and Development Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $89,170 more per year than Training and Development Specialists professionals — that's 135.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $120,190 for Training and Development Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Training and Development Specialists$37,510 – $120,190
$37,510$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Training and Development Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $37,510 | +$47,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $48,900 | +$66,600 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $65,850 | +$89,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $91,550 | +$93,830 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $120,190 | +$103,630 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $73,760 | +$83,010 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Training and Development Specialists
436,610
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 Training and Development Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,710 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $92,390 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,330 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $79,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Training and Development Specialists?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $89,170 (135.4% 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 Training and Development Specialists?
Training and Development Specialists salaries range from $37,510 (10th percentile) to $120,190 (90th percentile), with a median of $65,850.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Training and Development Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 436,610 Training and Development Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Training and Development Specialists to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Training and Development Specialists earns $65,850. 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