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The differences between desktop engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a desktop engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a desktop engineer has an average salary of $102,893, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a desktop engineer include customer service, SCCM and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Desktop Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,893 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,458 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Desktop engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,893 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $136,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Ropes & Gray | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a desktop engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between desktop engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Desktop Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |