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The differences between computer scientists and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer scientist, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer scientist has an average salary of $103,238, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a computer scientist include python, computer system and machine learning. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Computer Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,238 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $49.63 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 59,802 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Computer scientists and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,238 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $144,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer scientist and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between computer scientists' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Computer Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 18.8% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |