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The differences between computer systems engineers and 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 systems engineer. Additionally, a systems engineer has an average salary of $82,834, 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 systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Computer systems engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |