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The differences between computer engineers and technical support 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 technical support engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $85,716 average annual salary of a technical support engineer.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for a technical support engineer are technical support, customer service, and troubleshoot.
| Computer Engineer | Technical Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $85,716 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $41.21 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 184,542 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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 technical support engineer is responsible for responding to customer issues, providing immediate resolutions to their system issues through remote assistance. Technical support engineers must have strong knowledge of software and hardware applications to diagnose system defects and process troubleshooting. They also assist customers with the installation of programs and updates to improve system performance, escalating high-level concerns to appropriate internal technology teams. A technical support engineer must have strong command with technical systems, as well as excellent communication and time-management skills to understand clients' issues while documenting procedures.
Computer engineers and technical support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Technical Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $85,716 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $61,000 And $119,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Waymo | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and a technical support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Technical Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and technical support engineers' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Technical Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 83.3% Female, 16.7% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |