Computer Hardware Engineers vs Public Relations 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 $85,240 more per year than Public Relations Specialists professionals — that's 122.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$40,750$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $40,750 | +$44,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $51,970 | +$63,530 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $69,780 | +$85,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $95,940 | +$89,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $129,480 | +$94,340 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $80,310 | +$76,460 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
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 Public Relations Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,200 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,460 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,370 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $93,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Public Relations Specialists?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $85,240 (122.2% 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 Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists salaries range from $40,750 (10th percentile) to $129,480 (90th percentile), with a median of $69,780.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Public Relations Specialists earns $69,780. 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