Computer Programmers vs Electricians: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $36,320 more per year than Electricians professionals — that's 58.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $106,030 for Electricians.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Electricians$39,430 – $106,030
$39,430$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Electricians | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $39,430 | +$12,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $48,820 | +$23,040 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $62,350 | +$36,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $81,730 | +$47,230 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $106,030 | +$56,060 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $69,630 | +$34,010 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Electricians
742,580
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Best Cities for Electricians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $102,070 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $101,600 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $99,540 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $95,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $95,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Electricians?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $36,320 (58.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Electricians?
Electricians salaries range from $39,430 (10th percentile) to $106,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,350.
How many Computer Programmers and Electricians jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 742,580 Electricians positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Electricians to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Electricians earns $62,350. 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