Computer engineers help make the world go round.
That may be a slight exaggeration, but the modern world would be very different without computer engineering pioneers, from Bill Gates to Alan Turing. The field has helped create the technology that powers everything from mobile phones and laptops to traffic lights and public transportation.
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Today, the field remains in high demand and the salaries are very high. Computer engineers tend to have at least a bachelor’s degree, but if you have a master’s degree in computer science, you may be able to command a higher salary.
There are hundreds of organizations that hire computer engineering professionals, but it’s worth noting that there are many different job titles within the field. Here’s everything you need to know about computer engineering, including salary.
What does a computer engineer do?
Computer engineers design, develop, and maintain computer hardware and software systems.
According to LinkedIn career expert Andrew McCaskill, the most important skills required for a computer engineer include an in-depth understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as knowledge of programming languages such as C++ and Python.
“LinkedIn has over 7,000 computer engineers in the U.S., and there is high hiring demand across the aviation and aerospace parts manufacturing and research services industries,” McCaskill says.
How much does a computer engineer make?
According to an analysis of salary estimates from sources such as ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a computer engineer ranges from $100,000 to $120,000.Computer engineer salaries vary based on a variety of factors, including education, experience, and location.
Cost of living
When analyzing computer engineer salaries, it’s important to keep in mind that what a dollar can buy can vary greatly from state to state. The cost of living is much higher in New England and on the West Coast, so salaries may be higher to compensate.
Computer Engineer Salaries by State
According to ZipRecruiter’s figures, the highest paying states for computer engineers are New Jersey, Wyoming and Wisconsin, while the lowest are West Virginia, Arkansas and Florida.
The table below includes a ranking of the states with the highest average salaries for computer engineers: The Cost of Living (COL) index for each state listed below was calculated by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) and averages indexes for metropolitan areas and cities, incorporating the costs of groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation.
Here are the highest paying states for computer engineers (in descending order):
Job title variations
Although many universities offer specialized bachelor’s and master’s programs in “computer engineering,” the job itself is not as common as it was a few decades ago. Fortunately, there are still several jobs in which computer engineers can succeed, most of which are in high demand and pay six-figure salaries.
Candidates’ educational paths will be largely the same: Successful candidates will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field, some combination of industry-recognized certification, internship or co-op experience, and professional work experience. But above all, McCaskill says, certain hard and soft skills are paramount in the tech world.
“Today, there are two types of skills candidates need to focus on: AI skills and people skills. Managers are increasingly hiring for skills rather than degrees or experience, especially when it comes to AI,” McCaskill explains.
While salaries may vary from company to company, McCaskill encourages job seekers to do thorough research on industry standards. Comparing your salary to jobs in states with pay transparency laws, like New York and California, can be a huge advantage.
summary
Computer engineering is a high-demand field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer hardware engineers in particular are growing at a 5% rate, which is higher than the national average for all occupations.
As with other areas of the technology industry, having both soft and hard skills will help you stand out from the crowd. Additionally, those who continue to recognize the importance of learning will likely enjoy longer careers and leadership roles. Many experts say that AI-skilled talent will eventually replace those without.
FAQ
Does Computer Engineering pay well?
Yes, the average computer engineer will earn a six-figure salary over the course of their career, and while it depends on the company, location, and experience level, there’s no doubt that salaries in this field are higher than most professions.
How many years does it take to study computer engineering?
To become fully established, computer engineers typically need four years of college education and at least one to two years of specialized work experience. AI and other technological innovations have made lifelong learning paramount to a career as a computer engineer.
Is computer engineering a stressful job?
Computer engineering can be a stressful job as you work as part of a large team trying to achieve ambitious goals, and those with a passion and experience for technological innovation will be most likely to succeed.
See all of Fortune’s degree program rankings and learn more about specific career paths.
