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The differences between computer administrators and computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer administrator and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $86,150 average annual salary of a computer administrator.
The top three skills for a computer administrator include CAD, troubleshoot and printers. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Computer Administrator | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $86,150 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $41.42 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 88,405 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer administrators oversee the daily operation of computer networks. These administrators manage the configuration and upkeep of such networks, including updating equipment and software and identifying and resolving issues. They determine what an organization requires in both a network and a computer system before setting it up and configuring it. Also, they are responsible for all installation tasks, recording data, evaluating problems identified by users, and making various troubleshooting attempts to solve them. The skills that they must excel in are technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
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.
Computer administrators and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Administrator | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $86,150 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $118,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Waymo | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer administrator and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Administrator | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer administrators' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Computer Administrator | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.4% Female, 27.6% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 10.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 9% | 11% |