Why do hardware engineers have thinner wallets than circuit boards? Today, let’s discuss this heart-wrenching topic—where does all the money of hardware engineers go?1. The “static working point” on the paycheck is relatively low
As the saying goes, choice is more important than effort. While our software counterparts are reaping the benefits in the internet boom, hardware engineers seem to be engaged in fundamental research in basic disciplines.
A netizen revealed the truth: hardware is the infrastructure of the information age, just like road construction—no matter how well the road is built, the app that charges tolls might be more profitable.
2. The “tolerance cost” for hardware people is too high
Software bugs? A quick OTA upgrade can fix it overnight. Hardware bugs? At best, it means re-soldering resistors and retesting for three days; at worst, a chip smoking can cost half a year’s salary!
An old hardware engineer lamented: “Forget to draw a resistor, and you burn thousands of chips; who dares to take the blame? Software guys fix code like patching, while we modify boards like tearing down and rebuilding a house…”3. Career development is stuck in “low power mode”
The hardware industry has stable technology and slow iterations. Once a board is designed, the follow-up work may only involve “menial tasks”: production line faults, failure analysis, and debugging cooperation…
Meanwhile, software demands are endless, from app updates to AI large models; the code is never finished. With an imbalance in supply and demand, the number of hardware positions is crushed by software (often at a ratio of 1:10), and salary increases? Not a chance!4. But hardware people also have their “shining moments”
For instance, when a chip manufacturer engineer switches to an end-user company, their salary may double; or with the skill of “soldering boards like embroidery,” they might take on side jobs fixing drones in their social circles…
But ultimately, this field is suited for hardcore enthusiasts who “generate power for love.” If you want to make big money, a netizen sharply commented: for those who have just entered the industry, four words—”change jobs early.”Conclusion:
Hardware engineers earn less than software engineers, not because they are less capable, but because the hardware industry has high barriers, significant risks, and low demand, while their contributions are as essential as air.Perhaps, as a senior who changed careers once said: “The value of skills depends solely on market demand, unrelated to difficulty.”
So, the next time you see a hardware engineer deep in thought in front of an oscilloscope, please buy them a milk tea—they might really need some sugar to replenish their energy.