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The differences between computer engineers and systems engineers 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 systems engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Computer Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| 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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Computer engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Waymo | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |