Software Engineer vs. Computer Engineer

A software engineer is a tech professional who develops, creates, and maintains software applications, while a computer engineer is a tech professional who develops computer systems using computer science and electrical engineering skills.

Is computer engineering a good career?

Yes, computer engineering is a good career for many reasons including job satisfaction rates, good compensation, and remote working opportunities. Many computer engineers have interesting careers that lead to all types of industries and working environments.

What are careers in computer engineering?

Software developers, Computer Engineering Professors, and Analog design engineers all have careers in computer engineering. Most computer engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field, and many require even more education.

What companies hire computer engineers?

Companies in the technology, telecommunications, and automotive industries hire computer engineers. Companies across these industries hire computer engineers to drive technological innovation, develop robust systems and products, and meet the increasing demands of the digital age.

How To Become A Computer Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Brian Glas

A Computer Engineer tests, designs, builds, and maintains various hardware and software infrastructures and systems. They are tasked with designing computer processors, circuit boards, networks, digital platforms, and other similar technological pieces, as well as fixing any issues that might come up during or after the development of a project.

They typically work for large IT and innovation companies, research laboratories, and technological manufacturers. There are many variants of a Computer Engineer, as well as many sub-specializations, such as robotics, aircraft design, and wireless networks.

Employers will generally ask that a candidate for this position have at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, though some might demand higher degrees. Diplomas and certificates in other, similar subjects, like Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, may be acceptable, but the first is usually preferred. Mathematics, software and programming, circuit boards, and analytical skills are all important parts of the knowledge and tools necessary to be good in this job.

What general advice would you give to a computer engineer?

Brian Glas

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Union University

Build relationships: Different technologies will interest and challenge you, but throughout your career, you'll find that it's the relationships that are the most important. This is harder to grasp earlier in your career, but much easier to understand after 15-20 years.
Gain different perspectives: Spend time with people in other roles that your job interacts with, and gain a solid understanding of how they view things; this is most valuable for career progression and understanding of how your work fits into the big picture.

ScoreComputer EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.5

Avg. Salary $96,805

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 15.03%

Black or African American 10.74%

Hispanic or Latino 15.03%

Unknown 5.30%

White 53.51%

Gender

female 13.68%

male 86.32%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress level

6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computer engineer

Explore computer engineer education requirements

Most common computer engineer degrees

Bachelor's

66.4 %

Master's

14.2 %

Associate

10.9 %

Start to develop specific computer engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	14.71%
Software Development	7.81%
Java	6.29%
Linux	5.84%
C	4.86%

Complete relevant computer engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer engineer resumes.

Research computer engineer duties and 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.

Prepare your computer engineer resume

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