Computer Hardware Engineers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $92,050 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 146.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $40,670 | +$44,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $48,860 | +$66,640 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $62,970 | +$92,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $81,900 | +$103,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $105,150 | +$118,670 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $69,940 | +$86,830 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $100,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,890 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $97,020 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $90,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $87,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $92,050 (146.2% 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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries range from $40,670 (10th percentile) to $105,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,970.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. 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