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The differences between software support engineers and computer engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software support engineer, becoming a computer engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $87,968 average annual salary of a software support engineer.
The top three skills for a software support engineer include java, software support and customer service. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Software Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,968 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $42.29 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 364,072 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Working closely with a company's software development team, a software support engineer specializes in handling complex software issues and providing technical assistance to customers. Among their responsibilities include answering calls and correspondence, addressing problems and concerns, troubleshooting, providing step by step solutions, and referring clients to other services when necessary. Moreover, a software support engineer may also take part in software development procedures by creating test structures, identifying and eliminating bugs to ensure the quality and efficiency of software and applications.
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.
Software support engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $87,968 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $114,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software support engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | 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 software support engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Software Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 11% |