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The differences between senior computer engineers and consulting 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 senior computer engineer, becoming a consulting engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior computer engineer has an average salary of $127,660, which is higher than the $97,746 average annual salary of a consulting engineer.
The top three skills for a senior computer engineer include C++, CAD and infrastructure. The most important skills for a consulting engineer are java, C #, and linux.
| Senior Computer Engineer | Consulting Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $127,660 | $97,746 |
| Hourly rate | $61.38 | $46.99 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,662 | 125,600 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A senior computer engineer's main goal is to conduct research and design different types of computer hardware and software systems. They must know to manage servers and create automation in projects. They should also know how to resolve network issues and troubleshoot problems.
A consulting engineer is an individual who aids in the planning, designing, and construction of a project from the public and private clients. Consulting engineers are required to advise on the best component suitable according to the needs of their clients. They can manage the project by coordinating with designers, architects, and relevant persons who have commissioned the project. They may incorporate green sustainable energy solutions based on the demands of their clients. Consulting engineers must also conduct a feasibility study and prepare the estimated cost for the project.
Senior computer engineers and consulting engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Computer Engineer | Consulting Engineer | |
| Average salary | $127,660 | $97,746 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $173,000 | Between $72,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior computer engineer and a consulting engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Computer Engineer | Consulting Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between senior computer engineers' and consulting engineers' demographics:
| Senior Computer Engineer | Consulting Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 29.7% White, 50.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 13.8% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |