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The differences between computer technicians 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 technician and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $39,767 average annual salary of a computer technician.
The top three skills for a computer technician include customer service, desk support and network printers. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Computer Technician | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $39,767 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $19.12 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 95,688 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
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 technicians and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Technician | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $39,767 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alexandria, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Technician | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Computer Technician | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.8% 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% |