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The differences between computer engineers and computer scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer engineer, becoming a computer scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer scientist has an average salary of $103,238, which is higher than the $96,805 average annual salary of a computer engineer.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for a computer scientist are python, computer system, and machine learning.
| Computer Engineer | Computer Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $103,238 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $49.63 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 59,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
Computer engineers and computer scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Computer Scientist | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $103,238 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $74,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Waymo | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and a computer scientist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Computer Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and computer scientists' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Computer Scientist | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 18.8% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |