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The differences between field system 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 field system engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $91,282 average annual salary of a field system engineer.
The top three skills for a field system engineer include PLC, troubleshoot and customer sites. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Field System Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,282 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $43.89 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 145,115 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A field system engineer specializes in designing and developing systems and applications to optimize company operations. Among their responsibilities include identifying and understanding the company's needs, conceptualizing plans, developing prototypes and test structures, troubleshooting and resolving problems, coordinating with fellow engineers, and producing progress reports as needed. They are also responsible for establishing guidelines, safety policies, and standards. Moreover, a field system engineer typically manages a junior team, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Field system engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field System Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $91,282 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $126,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | F5 | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Finance |
There are a few differences between a field system engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Field System Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between field system engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Field System Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.3% 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% |