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The differences between applications support engineers and computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an applications support engineer, becoming a computer engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $89,928 average annual salary of an applications support engineer.
The top three skills for an applications support engineer include java, application support and database. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Applications Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,928 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $43.23 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 222,780 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
An applications support engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the application and network systems to support business operations and functions. Applications support engineers work on the installation of updates, upgrade system infrastructure, and resolve technical process issues and gaps. They also analyze the condition of existing applications and modify procedures to improve stability and configuration. An applications support engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills to identify failure sources and create resolution manuals to prevent downtime reoccurrence.
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
Applications support engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,928 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $120,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | ICE Mortgage Technology | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between an applications support engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Applications Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between applications support engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Applications Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.8% Female, 19.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |