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The differences between computer engineers and computer support specialists 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 engineer and a computer support specialist. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $63,926 average annual salary of a computer support specialist.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for a computer support specialist are computer support, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Engineer | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $63,926 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $30.73 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 114,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 Support Specialist is responsible for providing the highest customer service for clients with technical and system issues, resolving network failures, and creating support tickets for IT personnel. Computer Support Specialists utilize various system tools and applications to diagnose end-users network issues and conduct immediate troubleshooting. They also help the IT staff design and improve system features and infrastructures and create instructional manuals for deliverables. A Computer Support Specialist must have excellent technical and communication skills to document customers' requests and identify system solutions.
Computer engineers and computer support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $63,926 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $44,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Waymo | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and a computer support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and computer support specialists' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9% |
| 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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 11.2% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |