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The differences between computer assistants 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 assistant and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $47,077 average annual salary of a computer assistant.
The top three skills for a computer assistant include computer equipment, software issues and customer support. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $47,077 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $22.63 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 33,400 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Also referred to as customer support staff or technical support, a computer assistant describes and solves technical problems associated with computer systems and programs. Computer assistants provide telephone-based and on-site assistance to clients and customers. They use their communication and technical skills to help users with their computer troubleshooting problems. While some of them work in call centers, communicate via email or through online chat. It is also their responsibility to install and upgrade the computer software and hardware systems of their employer.
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 assistants and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $47,077 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $83,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer assistant and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer assistants' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 14.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 11% | 11% |