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The differences between computer systems engineers 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 systems engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $76,534 average annual salary of a computer systems engineer.
The top three skills for a computer systems engineer include computer system, python and C++. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer systems engineers solve complex problems in network operations. These engineers test the system operations to check for a possible security breach and search for new processes to improve the entire system function. They work with other computer engineers to determine the details needed to design an integrated computer system. Their jobs require communications skills, critical thinking skills, and experience in systems evaluation to perform their duties well. They would also need to have a background in computers, technology and engineering, and computer design.
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 systems engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Waymo | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer systems engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 13.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 9% | 11% |