Carpenters vs Computer Hardware 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 $95,710 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 161.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $223,820 for Computer Hardware Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
$38,760$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Computer Hardware Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $85,430 | $-46,670 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $115,500 | $-67,950 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $155,020 | $-95,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $185,380 | $-109,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $223,820 | $-125,450 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $156,770 | $-92,730 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Carpenters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $80,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,090 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $76,510 |
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Computer Hardware Engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $95,710 (161.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Carpenters?
Carpenters salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,310.
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.
How many Carpenters and Computer Hardware Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Hardware Engineers to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Computer Hardware Engineers earns $155,020. 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