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The differences between computer system specialists and computer 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 system specialist and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $71,716 average annual salary of a computer system specialist.
The top three skills for a computer system specialist include computer system, troubleshoot and CSV. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,716 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $34.48 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 89,673 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer system specialists are responsible for providing technical guidance in developing and troubleshooting a company's computer systems. They adjust the software to provide the database needs of every department in the company. These specialists manage the intranet and internet websites the network users can access and test for system issues to resolve. They serve as lead workers that provide supervision and training over clerical and technical staff on how the system functions. Their duties also include gathering feedback from users to update the system to provide for their needs.
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 system specialists and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,716 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $102,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer system specialist and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer system specialists' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |