Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between computer systems engineers and senior 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 senior systems engineer. Additionally, a senior systems engineer has an average salary of $108,121, 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 senior systems engineer are architecture, linux, and java.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $108,121 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $51.98 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 166,742 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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 senior systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.
Computer systems engineers and senior systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $108,121 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $82,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | Roku | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a senior systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 senior systems engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |