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The differences between data center 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 data center engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a data center engineer has an average salary of $102,788, which is higher than the $96,805 average annual salary of a computer engineer.
The top three skills for a data center engineer include data centers, troubleshoot and HVAC. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Data Center Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,788 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $49.42 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 178,277 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A data center engineer is responsible for managing the efficiency and optimal performance of the network data systems of an organization. Data center engineers ensure the safety and security of the database to prevent unauthorized access and suspicious activities within the network that may pose risks for the business. They assess the navigation of the servers, conduct regular maintenance, and perform immediate troubleshooting for glitches to avoid any delays in the operation. A data center engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in writing data resolution for reference and configuration.
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.
Data center engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Center Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,788 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $147,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a data center engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Data Center Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between data center engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Data Center Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.0% White, 62.7% 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% |