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The differences between computer engineers and information technology technicians 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 an information technology technician. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $49,031 average annual salary of an information technology technician.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for an information technology technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Engineer | Information Technology Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $49,031 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $23.57 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 118,881 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| 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.
An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.
Computer engineers and information technology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Information Technology Technician | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $49,031 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $28,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Waymo | Cravath |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and an information technology technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Information Technology Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and information technology technicians' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Information Technology Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% |
| 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, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |