Hardware includes monitors, keyboards, speakers, printers, and any other tangible computer part. The operating system and programs installed on your computer are software. Below, we’ve broken down hardware vs. software, plus jobs and skills related to each.
Examples of computer hardware jobs
Hardware jobs sit at the forefront of building, designing, and repairing internal and external computer hardware. Hardware roles include: Internal computer hardware includes motherboards and CPUs. These are, essentially, your computer’s heart and brain. Random access memory, or RAM, gets cleared when your computer shuts down, while hard drives and solid-state drives keep long-term data. External hardware connects to your computer to control input and output. Think keyboards, mice, headphones, and flash drives. Monitors, speakers, webcams, and printers are common external computer hardware.
Computer engineerComputer hardware designerComputer hardware program managerComputer hardware support specialistAssembly technician
Hardware career skills
Computer hardware jobs require knowledge of different types of hardware, their uses, and how they function. Technical skills for computer hardware professionals include:
Hardware design, building, and testingHow to connect machines, change parts, and make repairsHardware debugging and troubleshootingUsing engineering tools to prepare diagrams and prototypesCoding and software fundamentals
Getting started in a hardware role
To enter a hardware role, a bachelor’s computer and information technology or computer engineering degree provides foundational knowledge and skills. (Degrees in related fields also work.) You should have a background in mathematics, science, and computer software systems. Earning a degree from a program accredited by ABET demonstrates to future employers the quality of your education. Some advanced jobs may require a computer engineering master’s degree.
Examples of software roles
Computer software roles range from entry-level coding to advanced software engineering careers. Software developers design, test, and maintain computer systems and applications. System software includes operating systems like macOS and Microsoft Windows. System software controls your computer’s speed, memory, security, and overall efficacy. Word processing and spreadsheet programs, databases, multimedia and communication applications, and internet browsers are application software. System software runs whenever your computer is on, while application software launches when you open it. System software functions independently of application software, but application software needs a software system to accomplish tasks. Common positions include:
Software engineerSoftware developerFull-stack developerComputer support specialistComputer programmerQuality assurance analystSoftware tester
Software career skills
Software careers require knowledge of programming languages, software design and testing, and how software and hardware relate to one another. Skills for software careers include:
Programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++Software testing debuggingObject-oriented designData structures and algorithms
Getting started in a software role
You can take many paths to a software role. You could teach yourself programming, attend a bootcamp, or earn a computer science degree or a degree in a related field.
Salary comparison: hardware vs. software roles
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers in May 2021 was $128,170. Computer software engineers earned $110,140 on average. Earnings aside, the job opportunities for software professionals outnumber those for their hardware counterparts. The BLS projects 2% growth in employment for hardware engineers by 2030. Meanwhile, software developers are projected to see 22% employment growth. What you earn as a hardware or software professional depends on many factors. Education and experience, location, and the type of company you work for all count. To help increase your earning potential, consider:
Proving your skills with tech certificationsSeizing professional development opportunitiesEarning advanced degrees
Which is right for me: hardware or software?
To decide if hardware or software is right for you, you should take stock of your interests, strengths, and career goals.
You might enjoy working with hardware if …
You enjoy hands-on assembly and maintenance of equipmentYou like creating models and prototypes to present to colleagues and clients Solving problems and implementing solutions is something you enjoy
You might enjoy working with software if …
You enjoy programming and are detail-oriented You value creativity and collaboration in your workFinding solutions to problems related to the software design process sounds exciting
Unless otherwise noted, job growth and salary data are drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of July 1, 2022.
