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The differences between desktop 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 desktop engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a desktop engineer has an average salary of $102,893, which is higher than the $96,805 average annual salary of a computer engineer.
The top three skills for a desktop engineer include customer service, SCCM and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,893 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 87,458 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A desktop engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of computer systems across the organization to deliver high-performance on business operations and client specifications. Desktop engineers resolve computer desktop issues, including navigation and security complications that create delays in the operational process. They conduct regular maintenance with the computer systems, upgrade network infrastructure, and perform configuration to ensure smooth functionality and resolutions. A desktop engineer should have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, recommending system solutions to avoid the reoccurrence of network issues and glitches.
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.
Desktop engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,893 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $136,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Ropes & Gray | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a desktop engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | 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 desktop engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 13.6% White, 53.6% 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% |