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The differences between communications engineers and computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a communications 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 $83,540 average annual salary of a communications engineer.
The top three skills for a communications engineer include RF, unified communications and unity. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Communications Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,540 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $40.16 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 71,942 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
The duties of a communications engineer depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around designing and developing new systems to optimize operations, performing research and assessments to identify company needs, determining the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, and providing solutions on issues and concerns. Furthermore, as a communications engineer, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and productive work environment, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
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.
Communications engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Communications Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,540 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $111,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Shearman & Sterling | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a communications engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Communications Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between communications engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Communications Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% 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 | 6% | 11% |