{"id":3987,"date":"2022-01-07T21:12:16","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T21:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/?p=3987"},"modified":"2024-08-21T00:52:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T00:52:57","slug":"computer-engineering-careers-computer-engineer-career-outlook-and-salary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/careers\/computer-engineering\/computer-engineer\/career-outlook-and-salary\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Engineer Salary and Career Outlook"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Computer systems have evolved significantly over the past several decades. This is thanks to computer engineers who design, test, and improve these systems. This skilled career can lead to high-paying jobs with some of the best-known companies in the world, including Apple, Amazon, and Google.<\/p>\r\n<p>Although the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/computer-hardware-engineers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS) projects a slower-than-average growth rate of 5% for computer engineers, these professionals earned a healthy median annual salary of $128,170  as of 2021. Moreover, with computers used in so many types of technology, demand for computer engineers will likely continue into the future.<\/p>\r\n<p>This page takes an in-depth look at the average computer engineering salary and job prospects.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>What Does a Computer Engineer Do?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Computer engineers design, implement, and test computer systems. They also improve computer systems' efficiency and reliability.<\/p> <p> A computer engineer might combine electrical engineering with computer science to create technology. This technologies may become part of vehicles, security systems, or other electronic devices. These professionals must understand programming languages and have exceptional problem-solving skills.<\/p>\r\n<p>Computer engineers work closely with <a href=\"\/careers\/software-developer\/\">software developers<\/a>, <a href=\"\/careers\/computer-programmer\/\">computer programmers<\/a>, and other related professionals. Although computer engineers often work in technology, they may also find jobs in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/computer-hardware-engineers.htm#tab-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">manufacturing, research, and government positions.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Learn more about the <a href=\"\/careers\/computer-engineering\/computer-engineer\/day-in-the-life\/\">life and responsibilities of a computer engineer<\/a> by visiting the following links:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/careers\/computer-engineering\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Learn more about computer engineers<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/careers\/computer-engineering\/computer-engineer\/day-in-the-life\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">See a day in the life of a computer engineer<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n<h2>How Much Can You Earn as a Computer Engineer?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Computer engineers often made salaries over $120,000 as of 2021. However, salaries vary depending on factors like experience: Computer engineers with more years of experience often earn higher salaries than entry-level workers.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"pullquote inline-block text-xl font-bold \n\">\n    <p>Advanced computer engineering degree-holders can land high-paying roles in computer and information systems management, earning a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">median salary of $159,010<\/a> as of 2021.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n<p>High-paying roles in computer and information systems management can earn a median salary of $159,010 as of 2021.<\/p>\r\n<p>Degree specializations also contribute to differences in pay. For example, a networking specialization qualifies graduates for network administrator careers with a 2021 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">median salary of $80,600<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n<p>Advanced computer engineering degree-holders can land high-paying roles in computer and information systems management, earning a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">median salary of $159,010<\/a> as of 2021.<\/p>\r\n<p>Location also influences industry salaries. For example, the BLS lists Washington, California, and Massachusetts as the states <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">with the highest wages<\/a> for computer hardware engineers. Meanwhile, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Nevada offer some of the lowest average salaries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"text-center border-thin bg-secondary-light\" style=\"max-width: fit-content; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0 100px 0 100px;\">\r\n    <br>\r\n        <sonic-icon icon='currency-dollar' size='large' color='#1066E5'><\/sonic-icon> \r\n    <br>\r\n    <p style=\"font-size: 30px;\"><strong>$128,170<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <p>Median Annual Salary of Computer Engineers, 2021<\/p>\r\n    <p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/computer-hardware-engineers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<section class=\"-mx-4 md:-mx-1\/2vw py-12 md:py-16 mt-12 md:my-16 relative md:left-1\/2 md:right-1\/2 md:w-screen bg-primary-light\">\n    <div class=\"container content\">\n        \r\n<sonic-editorial-listings degree=\"\" category=\"\" subject=\"\" limit=\"3\"><\/sonic-editorial-listings>\r\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\r\n\r\n<br>\r\n\n  \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"experience\" id=\"experience\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h3>Computer Engineer Salary by Experience<\/h3>\r\n<p>Generally, more experienced professionals earn higher salaries. As computer engineers accrue experience and advanced degrees or certifications, they can command higher salaries.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following table lists the average computer engineering salary annually, based on experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Average Computer Engineering Salary by Experience<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Years of Experience<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Experience\">Entry-Level (&lt;1 year)<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Salary\">$76,000<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Experience\">Early Career (1-4 years)<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Salary\">$82,250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Experience\">Mid Career (5-9 years)<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Salary\">$95,000<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Experience\">Late Career (10-19 years)<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Salary\">$102,000<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Computer_Hardware_Engineer\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Payscale<\/a>, September 2022<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n  \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"education\" id=\"education\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h3>Computer Engineer Salary by Education<\/h3>\r\n<p>Recent computer engineering graduates pursue <a href=\"\/bootcamps\/guides\/high-paying-tech-jobs-no-experience-required\/\">entry-level careers<\/a>, gaining on-the-job experience as their career advances. An associate degree in computer science or a coding bootcamp can lead to apprenticeship or junior-level opportunities. However, most skilled positions require at least a bachelor's degree. These jobs tend to offer higher wages.<\/p>\r\n<p>A master of science in computer engineering can also significantly boost a graduate's ability to advance their career and earn a higher salary. Gaining several years of experience with a company can also lead to advancement.<\/p>\r\n<p>Additionally, <a href=\"\/degrees\/certificate\/computer-engineering\/\">computer engineering certificates<\/a> build crucial computer networking and architecture skills to make prospective employees more competitive. These certificates are often more affordable than a graduate degree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p> While there is overlap between computer science and computer engineering, computer science focuses on data processes, while computer engineering combines computer science with electrical processes. <\/p>\r\n<p>The table below lists the average hourly and annual wages for degree-holders at different education levels. Note that these figures represent all <a href=\"\/degrees\/\">degree-holders across computer science<\/a>, not solely computer engineers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Average Salaries by Education<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Education Level<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Hourly Wage<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Education\"><a href=\"\/degrees\/associate\/computer-science\/\">Associate in Computer Science<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Hourly Wage\">$16.20<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Associate%27s%2C_Computer_Science_(CS)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$65,000<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Education\"><a href=\"\/degrees\/bachelors\/online\/computer-engineering\/\">Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Hourly Wage\">$29.00<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_(BS_%2F_BSc)%2C_Computer_Engineering_(CE)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$92,000<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Education\"><a href=\"\/degrees\/masters\/computer-engineering\/\">Master of Science in Computer Engineering<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Hourly Wage\">$41.00<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS)%2C_Computer_Engineering_(CE)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$103,000<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Education\"><a href=\"\/degrees\/top-phd\/\">Doctorate of Computer Science<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Hourly Wage\">$47.50<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Computer_Science_(CS)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$131,000<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Payscale<\/a>, September 2022<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4>Which Education Path Is Right for You?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"grid lg:grid-cols-3 gap-5 my-8\"> \n  \r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/degrees\/computer-engineering-programs\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Computer Engineering Programs<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/degrees\/associate\/computer-engineering\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Associate Degrees in Computer Engineering<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/degrees\/bachelors\/computer-engineering\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Engineering<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/degrees\/masters\/computer-engineering\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Master's Degrees in Computer Engineering<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/degrees\/doctorate\/computer-engineering\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Doctoral Degrees in Computer Engineering<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/degrees\/certificate\/computer-engineering\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Computer Engineering Certificates<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\n  \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"location\" id=\"location\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h3>Computer Engineer Salary by Location<\/h3>\r\n<p>Like many careers, computer science salaries tend to rise in urban areas where the cost of living is higher. States with thriving business sectors \u2014 like Washington, California, and Massachusetts \u2014 top the list of states with the highest average computer engineer salary.<\/p>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/state-rankings\/cost-of-living-index-by-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Population Review<\/a> notes these states also have some of the highest costs of living in the country: Where the national average cost of living scores 100, California's is 142.2, Massachusetts's is 135, and Washington's is 111.6. A higher cost of living leads to higher housing costs and living expenses, which can negate the benefits of a sizable salary.<\/p>\r\n<p>Other states with more rural communities need computer engineers, and pay well for them. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">data from the BLS<\/a> shows the average salary for computer engineers in Alabama, Wisconsin, and Utah tops $100,000. All three states also have lower-than-average costs of living.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is crucial to consider computer engineer salary versus demand and cost of living when choosing the best area to start your career. The BLS data in the tables below shows the top-paying states and metropolitan regions for computer engineers in 2021.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"bootcamp-widget\">\n\t<div class=\"text-center mb-8\">\n\t\t<sonic-tooltip class=\"block text-xs text-center mb-4\" label=\"Learn More About Our Partners\">\n\t\t\t<span>ComputerScience.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.<\/span>\n\t\t<\/sonic-tooltip>\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\tsonic-tooltip {\n\t\t\t\t--body-font-size: 10px;\n\t\t\t\t--content-font-size: 12px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t.bootcamp-widget p {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 16px 0 24px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t.bootcamp-widget h3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-bottom: 16px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"text-center rounded bg-white box-border px-4 pb-10 mx-auto w-full shadow-lg border-8 border-gray-50\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"m-auto -mt-8\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/w_120,h_82,c_fill,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/v1645732537\/ComputerScience.org\/computer\/computer.png\" width=\"120\" height=\"82\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\"\/>\n\t\t<h3 class=\"no-margin text-2xl md:text-3xl font-bold mt-8 md:mt-12 mb-2 md:mb-3 px-4\">Match me with a bootcamp.<\/h3>\n\t\t<p class=\"no-margin text-base mb-8 px-3\">Find programs with your skills, schedule, and goals in mind.<\/p>\n\t\t<a href=\"\/discover?dcs[degrees][]=Bootcamps\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"sonic-btn bg-secondary-700 hover:bg-secondary-800 focus:bg-secondary-800 uppercase mx-auto w-64 font-heading text-sm\" target=\"_blank\">MATCH ME TO A BOOTCAMP<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Metropolitan Area<\/th>\r\n<th>Number of Computer Engineers Employed<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,880<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$185,210<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">7,550<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$183,320<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">San Diego-Carlsbad, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,870<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$161,580<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">70<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$154,610<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">Fort Collins, Colorado<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">1,360<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$146,950<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS, 2021<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Top-Paying States for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>State<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<th>Employment<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\">California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$169,970<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">19,910<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\">Washington<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$166,980<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">1,830<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/virginia\/\">Virginia<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$139,180<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,590<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/oregon\/\">Oregon<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$ 136,150<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">7,780<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/nevada\/\">Nevada<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Wage\">$135,880<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\"> n\/a <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS, 2021<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\n  \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"career-outlook\" id=\"career-outlook\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h2>Computer Engineers' Job Outlook and Career Prospects<\/h2>\r\n<p>The demand for computer engineers continues to grow, albeit more slowly than other computer-related occupations. The BLS projects <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/computer-hardware-engineers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">5% growth<\/a> for this career from 2021-2031, as fast as the average growth BLS projects for all occupations. Companies need computer engineers to create and improve computer hardware, a trend that shows no sign of ceasing.<\/p>\r\n<p>The BLS projects faster growth for jobs related to computer engineering, including software engineers and web developers: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">25% growth<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/web-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">23% growth<\/a>, respectively, in these careers from 2021-2031. Thus, degree-seekers prioritizing future job security can specialize in one of these similar, faster-growing disciplines instead.<\/p>\r\n<p>Location also has a significant impact on available jobs. For example, densely populated regions like the San Francisco Bay Area or the Washington, D.C. metro area offer high computer engineer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">employment rates<\/a>. In contrast, states with more rural regions, like Alaska and Louisiana, provide fewer opportunities for these professionals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"text-center border-thin bg-secondary-light\" style=\"max-width: fit-content; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0 100px 0 100px;\">\r\n    <br>\r\n        <sonic-icon icon='trending-up' size='large' color='#1066E5'><\/sonic-icon> \r\n    <br>\r\n    <p style=\"font-size: 30px;\"><strong>Change in Projected Employment for Computer Engineers:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <p>+5% from 2021 to 2031<\/p>\r\n    <p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/computer-hardware-engineers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3>Best Locations for Computer Engineers<\/h3>\r\n<p>Because most computer engineering jobs are in the tech industry, these positions often cluster in urban areas near companies' headquarters. California <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">employs 19,910<\/a> computer engineers, the highest-employing state for these professionals. Several Californian metropolitan areas lead the pack in employment and wages.<\/p>\r\n<p>The sections below examine states, areas, and cities with the most potential for computer engineers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Top States<\/h4>\r\n<p>Computer engineer salaries and job opportunities vary significantly across the country. Generally, states with large metropolitan areas, like California and <a href=\"\/online-degrees\/texas\/\">Texas<\/a>, employ the most computer engineers and offer some of the highest salaries. These states also tend to have higher projected employment increases for computer engineers.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, other states with large rural areas, like <a href=\"\/online-degrees\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> and <a href=\"\/online-degrees\/tennessee\/\">Tennessee<\/a>, also exhibit healthy job growth projections from 2020-2030, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/projectionscentral.org\/Projections\/LongTerm?AreaName=&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B0%5D=3&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B1%5D=4&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B2%5D=5&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B3%5D=6&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B4%5D=7&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B5%5D=8&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B6%5D=9&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B7%5D=10&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B8%5D=11&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B9%5D=12&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B10%5D=13&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B11%5D=14&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B12%5D=15&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B13%5D=16&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B14%5D=17&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B15%5D=18&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B16%5D=19&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B17%5D=20&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B18%5D=21&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B19%5D=22&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B20%5D=23&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B21%5D=24&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B22%5D=25&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B23%5D=26&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B24%5D=27&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B25%5D=28&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B26%5D=29&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B27%5D=30&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B28%5D=31&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B29%5D=32&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B30%5D=33&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B31%5D=34&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B32%5D=35&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B33%5D=36&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B34%5D=37&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B35%5D=38&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B36%5D=39&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B37%5D=40&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B38%5D=41&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B39%5D=42&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B40%5D=43&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B41%5D=44&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B42%5D=45&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B43%5D=46&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B44%5D=47&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B45%5D=48&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B46%5D=49&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B47%5D=50&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B48%5D=51&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B49%5D=52&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B50%5D=53&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B51%5D=54&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B52%5D=55&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B53%5D=56&amp;Name=&amp;NameSelect%5B0%5D=138&amp;items_per_page=100&amp;order=AreaName&amp;sort=asc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Projections Central<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"pullquote inline-block text-xl font-bold \n\">\n    <p>Generally, states with large metropolitan areas employ the most computer engineers and offer some of the highest salaries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Though states like <a href=\"\/online-degrees\/florida\/\">Florida<\/a> and Texas offer wages lower than the national median salary, for computer engineers, their costs of living are also lower relative to the national index. <p>Florida employs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a little over 3,000<\/a> computer engineers who earn an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">average wage of $114,720<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/state-rankings\/cost-of-living-index-by-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cost of living<\/a> index is 100.3, compared to the national average of 100. <\/p> <p>Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">employs 5,070<\/a> computer engineers who earn an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">average wage of $115,640<\/a>. This state's <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/state-rankings\/cost-of-living-index-by-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cost of living<\/a> index is 92.1.<\/p>\r\n<p>The tables below analyze top-employing states and states with high projected growth for computer engineer employment. This data may help computer science degree-seekers find states with high-paying opportunities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Top-Employing States for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n\t<th>Top-Employing States<\/th>\r\n\t<th>Number of Computer Engineers Employed<\/th>\r\n\t<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"State\">California<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Employment\">19,910<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$169,970<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"State\">Oregon<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Employment\">7,780<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$136,150<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/colorado\/\">Colorado<\/a><\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Employment\">5,270<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$135,540<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"State\">Texas<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Employment\">5,070<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$115,640<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"State\">Virginia<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,590<\/td>\r\n\t<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$139,180<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS, 2021<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>States With the Greatest Projected Increase in Employment for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>State<\/th>\r\n<th>Percent Projected Change, 2020-30<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Openings<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th colspan=\"3\">Greatest Projected Percentage Increase<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/washington\/\">Washington<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">35.3<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">280<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/Colorado\/\">Colorado<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">32.1<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">540<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/tennessee\/\">Tennessee<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">27<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">40<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/kentucky\/\">Kentucky<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">18.5<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">30<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/nebraska\/\">South Dakota<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">25<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">0<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th colspan=\"3\">Most Projected Average Annual Openings<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/california\/\">California<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">15.1<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">1,710<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/colorado\/\">Colorado<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">32.1<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">540<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/texas\/\">Texas<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">13.9<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">380<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/online-degrees\/florida\/\">Florida<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">18.2<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">370<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\">Washington<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent Change\">35.3<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">280<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/projectionscentral.org\/Projections\/LongTerm?AreaName=&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B0%5D=3&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B1%5D=4&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B2%5D=5&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B3%5D=6&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B4%5D=7&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B5%5D=8&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B6%5D=9&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B7%5D=10&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B8%5D=11&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B9%5D=12&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B10%5D=13&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B11%5D=14&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B12%5D=15&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B13%5D=16&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B14%5D=17&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B15%5D=18&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B16%5D=19&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B17%5D=20&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B18%5D=21&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B19%5D=22&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B20%5D=23&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B21%5D=24&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B22%5D=25&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B23%5D=26&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B24%5D=27&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B25%5D=28&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B26%5D=29&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B27%5D=30&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B28%5D=31&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B29%5D=32&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B30%5D=33&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B31%5D=34&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B32%5D=35&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B33%5D=36&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B34%5D=37&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B35%5D=38&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B36%5D=39&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B37%5D=40&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B38%5D=41&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B39%5D=42&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B40%5D=43&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B41%5D=44&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B42%5D=45&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B43%5D=46&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B44%5D=47&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B45%5D=48&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B46%5D=49&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B47%5D=50&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B48%5D=51&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B49%5D=52&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B50%5D=53&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B51%5D=54&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B52%5D=55&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B53%5D=56&amp;Name=&amp;NameSelect%5B0%5D=138&amp;items_per_page=100&amp;order=AreaName&amp;sort=asc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Projections Central, 2020-2030<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/states-overview\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Learn more about computer science programs by state<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n<h4>Top Cities<\/h4>\r\n<p>Cities and metropolitan areas lead the nation's technology industry. Well-known tech companies like PayPal and Google call these areas home. California employs the largest number of computer engineers nationally, thanks to its many metropolitan areas and its business incentives that attract companies to the state.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">According to the BLS<\/a>, regions outside California also offer attractive salaries for computer engineers, including the DMV area outside Washington, D.C. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$140,970<\/a>), and Portland, Oregon (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$136,800<\/a>). Furthermore, these states have much lower <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/state-rankings\/cost-of-living-index-by-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cost of living<\/a> indexes than California's 141.2: 101-124 for the DMV and 130.1 in Oregon.<\/p>\r\n<p>The table below notes the metropolitan areas with the highest computer engineer employments, along with their average annual wages for reference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Top-Employing Metropolitan Areas for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Metropolitan Area<\/th>\r\n<th>Number of Computer Engineers Employed<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">7,550<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$183,320<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, Oregon-Washington<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">7,430<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$136,800<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC, Virginia-Maryland-West Virginia<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">4,230<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$140,970<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,880<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$185,210<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Metro Area\">San Diego-Carlsbad, California<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,870<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$161,580<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS, 2021<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3>Best Industries for Computer Engineers<\/h3>\r\n<p>The computer systems design industry boasts the highest employment numbers for computer engineers, as indicated in the BLS data below. Despite this higher total jobs in this field, other industries like software publishing and securities and financial investment pay higher average salaries.<\/p>\r\n<p>Computer engineers can find work in diverse fields, including semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing and scientific research and development services. Some of the more lucrative industries like insurance carriers or securities and financial investment employ very few engineers, making these fields competitive.<\/p>\r\n<p>The computer-related service industry offers excellent opportunities for entry-level professionals. However, computer engineers with a master's degree or advanced certifications may prefer applying their progressive skill sets to other relevant industries, like navigational manufacturing or computer equipment manufacturing.<\/p>\r\n<p>Computer engineers should consider how their duties might shift in various industries. For instance, software publishing professionals might design, test, and improve computer hardware to accommodate the publisher's latest business software release. In contrast, a computer engineer working in manufacturing might design circuit boards for industrial machinery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Top-Paying Industries for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Top-Paying Industries<\/th>\r\n<th>Employment<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">100<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$194,630<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Information Services<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">330<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$183,640<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Scientific Research and Development Services<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">13,360<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$172,460<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Software Publishers<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">1,750<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$167,580<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Insurance Carriers<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">40<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$167,020<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS, 2021<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table\">\r\n    <caption>Employment by Industry for Computer Engineers<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Industries with Highest Employment<\/th>\r\n<th>Employment<\/th>\r\n<th>Average Annual Wage<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Computer Systems Design and Related Services<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">14,660<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$128,440<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Scientific Research and Development Services<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">13,360<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$172,460<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">9,240<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$134,800<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">4,930<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$142,160<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"Industry\">Federal Executive Branch<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Employment\">3,630<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Annual Wage\">$117,990<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS, 2021<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3>Upward Mobility for Computer Engineers<\/h3>\r\n<p>Graduate-level education, certifications, and job experience can lead to career advancement for computer engineers.\/p> <p> As these professionals gain new skills, they can move upward into supervisory, research, and data-focused positions, or move laterally (with potential pay increases) to roles as software engineers. Some examples include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/careers\/data-science\/\">Data Scientist<\/a>:<\/strong> Computer engineers may transition to data science roles by pursuing an advanced degree or specialization in data science. These high-paying roles require mathematical and computational skills to assist businesses with creating data-driven solutions.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/careers\/computer-information-researcher\/\">Computer and Information Research Scientists<\/a>:<\/strong> The BLS projects this career field will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">grow 21%<\/a> between 2021 and 2031. Computer and information research scientists often hold a master's degree or doctorate in a computer engineering-related field.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/careers\/systems-manager\/\">Computer and Information Systems Managers<\/a>:<\/strong> These professionals hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer engineering. Completing a master's of business administration (MBA) or other graduate degree and gaining several years of professional experience can boost a candidate's potential for advancement to this position.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\n  \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"resources\" id=\"resources\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h2>Learn More About Computer Engineers<\/h2>\r\n  \n\n  <section class=\"cards text-center\" data-cy=\"cards\">\n    \n    <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-4\">\n        \r\n<div class=\"cards-item flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131175\/ComputerScience.org\/CompSci_CompEngineer_Career_CompEngineer_397151f1b\/CompSci_CompEngineer_Career_CompEngineer_397151f1b.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"What Is a Computer Engineer?\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col justify-between\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">What Is a Computer Engineer?<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col px-4 pb-6\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-6\">Discover the role and responsibilities of a computer engineer in a professional setting.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col justify-between p-6\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/careers\/computer-engineering\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"cards-item flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131172\/ComputerScience.org\/CompSci_CompEngineer_Career-CompEng_How-to-become_397698bcb\/CompSci_CompEngineer_Career-CompEng_How-to-become_397698bcb.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"How to Become a Computer Engineer\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col justify-between\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">How to Become a Computer Engineer<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col px-4 pb-6\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-6\">Learn about the skills, education, and experience necessary to <a href=\"\/careers\/computer-engineering\/computer-engineer\/how-to-become\/\">become a qualified computer engineer<\/a>.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col justify-between p-6\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/careers\/computer-engineering\/computer-engineer\/how-to-become\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"cards-item flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131169\/ComputerScience.org\/CompSci_CompEngineer_Career_CompEng_Day-in-the-life_398472adc\/CompSci_CompEngineer_Career_CompEng_Day-in-the-life_398472adc.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"Day in the Life of a Computer Engineer\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col justify-between\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">Day in the Life of a Computer Engineer<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col px-4 pb-6\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-6\">Explore the daily duties and work setting of the average computer engineer.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col justify-between p-6\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/?p=3978\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"cards-item flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131160\/ComputerScience.org\/GettyImages-533765037_66590e6d\/GettyImages-533765037_66590e6d.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"Computer Engineering Degree Programs\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col justify-between\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">Computer Engineering Degree Programs<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col px-4 pb-6\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-6\">Find a computer engineering degree program to suit your education level and career goals.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col justify-between p-6\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/degrees\/computer-engineering-programs\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n  <\/section>\n\n\r\n\r\n\n  \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"faq\" id=\"faq\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Engineers<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<section><h3>How much do starting computer engineers make?<\/h3>\r\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Computer_Hardware_Engineer\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Payscale<\/a> data from August 2022, the average computer engineer salary for entry-level workers is around $76,000. Early-career wages after 1-4 years rise to an average $82,250, while the long-term professional's average salary is around $102,000.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section><h3>What is the highest salary for a computer engineer?<\/h3>\r\n<p>The highest salary potential for computer engineers often occurs with experience. The BLS reports that as of May 2021, computer engineers earned a median annual salary approaching $128,170.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section><h3>What are the highest paying companies for computer engineering?<\/h3>\r\n<p>The highest-paying companies for computer engineering are in the securities, commodity contracts, and financial investments industry. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes172061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BLS data<\/a> shows an average annual salary of $194,630 for computer engineers in this industry.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section><h3>Is computer engineering in demand?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Although not growing as fast as other computer-related careers, the BLS projects a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/computer-hardware-engineers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">5% job growth<\/a> for computer engineers between 2021-2031. Computer systems design and manufacturing industries are among the top-employing industries seeking these professionals.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Interested in a computer engineering career? This guide explores computer engineer salaries, job projections, and top states for computer engineers.","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":3995,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/template-dcs.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,54],"bootcamps":[],"states":[],"resources":[],"careers":[19],"degrees":[],"class_list":["post-3987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-careers","careers-all"],"acf":[],"menu_order":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3987"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13986,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3987\/revisions\/13986"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3987"},{"taxonomy":"bootcamps","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bootcamps?post=3987"},{"taxonomy":"states","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/states?post=3987"},{"taxonomy":"resources","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources?post=3987"},{"taxonomy":"careers","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/careers?post=3987"},{"taxonomy":"degrees","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.computerscience.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/degrees?post=3987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}