Computer Hardware Engineers vs Software Developers salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers is $136,230 per year, while Software Developers earn an average of $120,990 annually. This indicates that Software Developers earn a lower salary than Computer Hardware Engineers.

However, wages can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Computer Hardware Engineers who work in California (with salary averaging $169,970) may earn more than those who work in Kentucky ($75,950). And Software Developers in California earn 76% more on average compared to those in West Virginia.

Computer Hardware Engineers vs Software Developers overview

Computer Hardware Engineers and Software Developers are crucial to the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry. People are often interested in learning about the distinctions between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.

Computer Hardware Engineer job description

Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Computer Hardware Engineer education and experience

About a half of Computer Hardware Engineers hold a Bachelor's Degree, 34% have a Master's Degree, and 7% hold a College Course Certificate. In terms of experience, 28% of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs require a 1 to 2 years of experience in the field. A smaller part of jobs (24%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Computer Hardware Engineer average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 73,750 Computer Hardware Engineers were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual salary was $136,230. The lowest earning 10 percent made $77,100 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $208,000 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has risen by 8%.

Do Computer Hardware Engineers make good money?

Computer Hardware Engineers generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is 134% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn about a half more than the average pay of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

Computer Hardware Engineers generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is 134% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Computer Hardware Engineers job growth

In 2021, there have been 9,040 more Computer Hardware Engineer roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 14%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 7%.

Software Developer job description

Alternative names: Devops, Backend Developers, Computer Scientists

Software Developers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Software Developer average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Software Developers employed in the United States was 1.36M, and they earned an average of $120,990 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $64,470 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $168,570 or more.

Do Software Developers make good money?

Software Developers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 108% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make about a third more than the mean salary of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

Software Developers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 108% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Computer Hardware Engineers or Software Developers make more?

Computer Hardware Engineers make 13% more than Software Developers. The average annual salary for Software Developers is $120,990, compared to $136,230 for Computer Hardware Engineers.