Computer Programmers vs Human Resources Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $25,760 more per year than Human Resources Specialists professionals — that's 35.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $126,540 for Human Resources Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Human Resources Specialists$45,440 – $126,540
$45,440$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Human Resources Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $45,440 | +$6,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $55,870 | +$15,990 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $72,910 | +$25,760 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $97,270 | +$31,690 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $126,540 | +$35,550 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $79,730 | +$23,910 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Human Resources Specialists
917,460
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 Human Resources Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $114,080 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $100,600 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $97,340 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $88,050 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $83,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Human Resources Specialists?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $25,760 (35.3% 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 Human Resources Specialists?
Human Resources Specialists salaries range from $45,440 (10th percentile) to $126,540 (90th percentile), with a median of $72,910.
How many Computer Programmers and Human Resources Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 917,460 Human Resources Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Human Resources Specialists to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Human Resources Specialists earns $72,910. 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