Computer Hardware Engineers vs Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn $104,020 more per year than Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers professionals — that's 204.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Hardware Engineers earns $223,820 compared to $75,850 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers$85,430 – $223,820
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$38,130 – $75,850
$38,130$223,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Hardware Engineers | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $85,430 | $38,130 | +$47,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $45,580 | +$69,920 |
| Median (50th) | $155,020 | $51,000 | +$104,020 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,380 | $61,610 | +$123,770 |
| 90th Percentile | $223,820 | $75,850 | +$147,970 |
| Mean (Average) | $156,770 | $55,100 | +$101,670 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Hardware Engineers
75,710
employed nationwide
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
424,040
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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $69,120 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $67,560 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $64,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $63,890 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $62,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Hardware Engineers or Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Computer Hardware Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $104,020 (204.0% 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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salaries range from $38,130 (10th percentile) to $75,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $51,000.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs are there?
There are approximately 75,710 Computer Hardware Engineers positions and 424,040 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers to Computer Hardware Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Hardware Engineers has a median salary of $155,020 while Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earns $51,000. 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