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Computer consultant vs computer engineer

The differences between computer consultants 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 consultant and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $94,331 average annual salary of a computer consultant.

The top three skills for a computer consultant include technical support, database and linux. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.

Computer consultant vs computer engineer overview

Computer ConsultantComputer Engineer
Yearly salary$94,331$96,805
Hourly rate$45.35$46.54
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs79,263126,709
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a computer consultant do?

Computer Consultants assist a company's staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.

What does a computer engineer do?

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 consultant vs computer engineer salary

Computer consultants and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer ConsultantComputer Engineer
Average salary$94,331$96,805
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $131,000Between $70,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyNovartisWaymo
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between computer consultant and computer engineer education

There are a few differences between a computer consultant and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:

Computer ConsultantComputer Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityHarvard University

Computer consultant vs computer engineer demographics

Here are the differences between computer consultants' and computer engineers' demographics:

Computer ConsultantComputer Engineer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 78.2% Female, 21.8%Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 13.2% White, 54.2% 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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer consultant and computer engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer consultant example responsibilities.

  • Manage hardware design, install custom Linux desktop operating system, integrate software written in C++.
  • Manage configuration and connectivity of customer virtual networks through VMware tools.
  • Convert existing VHS tapes into digital clips to use in Powerpoint.
  • Install and configure AcuConnect on the LINUX servers for thin client access from windows.
  • Diagnose connection to the on-campus networks and services through OS, VPN and/or proxy configuration.
  • Create, design and maintain web sites for small businesses using (HTML/DHTML, JavaScript, Perl/CGI )
  • Show more

Computer engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage electronic files using the PDM system.
  • Script VBA to automate the creation of installation documents.
  • Manage DNS and Kerberos infrastructure services for the computing center.
  • Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
  • Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
  • Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
  • Show more

Computer consultant vs computer engineer skills

Common computer consultant skills
  • Technical Support, 11%
  • Database, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Desk Support, 5%
  • Microsoft Windows, 4%
Common computer engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Software Development, 8%
  • Java, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • C, 5%
  • C++, 5%

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