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Computer support engineer vs desktop engineer

The differences between computer support engineers and desktop 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 support engineer and a desktop engineer. Additionally, a desktop engineer has an average salary of $102,893, which is higher than the $79,531 average annual salary of a computer support engineer.

The top three skills for a computer support engineer include CAD, PCB and linux. The most important skills for a desktop engineer are customer service, SCCM, and troubleshoot.

Computer support engineer vs desktop engineer overview

Computer Support EngineerDesktop Engineer
Yearly salary$79,531$102,893
Hourly rate$38.24$49.47
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs122,78687,458
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Computer support engineer vs desktop engineer salary

Computer support engineers and desktop engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Support EngineerDesktop Engineer
Average salary$79,531$102,893
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $106,000Between $77,000 And $136,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateOregonCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleRopes & Gray
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between computer support engineer and desktop engineer education

There are a few differences between a computer support engineer and a desktop engineer in terms of educational background:

Computer Support EngineerDesktop Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Science
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Computer support engineer vs desktop engineer demographics

Here are the differences between computer support engineers' and desktop engineers' demographics:

Computer Support EngineerDesktop Engineer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 86.1% Female, 13.9%Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 14.7% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 13.6% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer support engineer and desktop engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer support engineer example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish many networking projects and utilize many command line level processing for LINUX / UNIX operating base systems.
  • Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
  • Upgrade many UNIX / LINUX version operating systems independently.
  • Configure hardware/software for VPN networking.
  • Support all business applications and VPN connectivity internet and modem applications
  • Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
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Desktop engineer example responsibilities.

  • Assign and manage extensions, voicemail accounts using AVAYA phone system.
  • Partner with Microsoft, Symantec and other vendors to manage applications on all corporate desktops.
  • Work on installing, configuring and managing multiple LAN/WAN network technologies (Cisco switches, routers and firewalls).
  • Manage software deployments using SCCM and oversee monitoring of complex applications.
  • Install and troubleshoot LAN connectivity email configurations on end-user workstations.
  • Advance knowledge of LAN's including administration, security and physical cabling.
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Computer support engineer vs desktop engineer skills

Common computer support engineer skills
  • CAD, 22%
  • PCB, 9%
  • Linux, 9%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • System Administration, 5%
  • Desk Support, 5%
Common desktop engineer skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • SCCM, 9%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • PowerShell, 6%
  • OS, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%

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