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The differences between computer engineers and programmers 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 programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Computer Engineer | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | 10% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
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 programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Computer engineers and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Waymo | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and programmers' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Programmer | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |