Computer and Information Research Scientists 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 $14,110 more per year than Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals — that's 10.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $223,820 for Computer Hardware Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
$80,670$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Computer Hardware Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $85,430 | $-4,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $115,500 | $-12,790 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $155,020 | $-14,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $185,380 | $-4,170 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $223,820 | +$8,300 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $156,770 | $-4,460 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $232,120 |
| Richmond, VA | $231,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $191,880 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $169,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $168,820 |
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: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Computer Hardware Engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $14,110 (10.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries range from $80,670 (10th percentile) to $232,120 (90th percentile), with a median of $140,910.
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 Computer and Information Research Scientists and Computer Hardware Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Hardware Engineers to Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer and Information Research Scientists has a median salary of $140,910 while Computer Hardware Engineers earns $155,020. 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