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The differences between systems support 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 systems support engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $82,561 average annual salary of a systems support engineer.
The top three skills for a systems support engineer include linux, troubleshoot and technical support. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Systems Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,561 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $39.69 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 182,434 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Systems support engineers are information technology professionals who are responsible for building and maintaining the IT infrastructure of an organization. They are required to provide network administration and technical support to identify complex problem issues and come up with solutions to solve them. They must assist the system support engineers in accomplishing any projects they are working with. They must troubleshoot servers, personal computers, and peripheral equipment while liaising with their customers. They must also create and maintain user accounts and implement group policy management through an active directory.
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.
Systems support engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,561 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $109,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a systems support engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between systems support engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Systems Support Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.5% 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% |