SalaryByCity

Computer Hardware Engineers vs Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer Hardware Engineers

$155,020

Median annual salary

75,710 employed nationally

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

$46,290

Median annual salary

1,737,820 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $108,730 more per year than Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive professionals — that's 234.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $64,150 for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$31,600 – $64,150
$31,600$223,820

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer Hardware EngineersSecretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and ExecutiveDifference
10th Percentile$85,430$31,600+$53,830
25th Percentile$115,500$37,770+$77,730
Median (50th)$155,020$46,290+$108,730
75th Percentile$185,380$55,650+$129,730
90th Percentile$223,820$64,150+$159,670
Mean (Average)$156,770$47,640+$109,130

Employment Numbers

Computer Hardware Engineers

75,710

employed nationwide

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

1,737,820

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers

CityMedian
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 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$61,190
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$60,320
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$58,310
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH$56,060
Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT$53,960

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $108,730 (234.9% 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 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive?
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salaries range from $31,600 (10th percentile) to $64,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $46,290.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 1,737,820 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive earns $46,290. 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

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS