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The differences between computer systems engineers and lead systems 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 lead systems engineer. Additionally, a lead systems engineer has an average salary of $119,705, 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 lead systems engineer are systems engineering, architecture, and infrastructure.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $119,705 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $57.55 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 186,392 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| 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 lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.
Computer systems engineers and lead systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $119,705 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $90,000 And $158,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a lead systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between computer systems engineers' and lead systems engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9% |
| 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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.5% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |