Computer Engineer Salary
A computer engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing and evaluating computer hardware, software and systems. The goal is to plan and produce one or more devices which work economically and efficiently. Some in this field choose to focus on hardware while others prefer to work on software.
If you like to work with the big picture, you also have the option of focusing on systems engineering. The choice is completely up to you and, although your training will differ somewhat depending on which field you choose, your computer engineering salary will be very similar.
Computer Engineer Salary
What type of computer engineering salary can you expect to make? On average, a computer engineer will make $90,000 a year. Those fresh out of school have a starting pay of $60,000 and, with the right specializations and experience, you can make as much as $130,000 a year. Take this into consideration when determining if this is the career for you. Many find it is perfect for them.
Computer Engineer Training and Education
When you choose to become a computer engineer, you will in most cases need a bachelor’s degree. Working with computer hardware will require that you have a bachelor’s degree in either electrical engineering or computer engineering.
Those who wish to specialize in the software aspects should obtain a software engineering or computer science degree. Systems engineers need a computer information or computer science degree. Graduate degrees are preferred for those jobs which are more complex. You do have the option of majoring in one area and minoring in another to increase your employment opportunities.
Computer Engineer Certification
Computer engineers have the option of becoming voluntarily certified by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals. In order to obtain this certification, you must have a minimum of two years of experience and a college degree.
An exam will need to be passed and this exam covers both general knowledge and specialty areas and/or computer languages. Software engineers will soon have another choice if they wish to become certified. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society is working on a certification process for those in this field.
Job Growth Outlook For Computer Engineers
According to the US Bureau of Labour statistics there is quite a varying degree of growth when you look at both computer software engineers and computer programmers. Computer software engineers will experience a growth of 32% between the years 2008 2018. This is incredibly fast rate of growth when compared to most other jobs in the United States so if you’re interested in this path things are looking bright.
On the other hand, for those looking to become computer programmers, there is expected to be a -3% rate of growth over the next several years. So clearly software engineering is the way of the future.
Job prospects will be excellent for software and computer engineers who have the ability to build applications for ever expanding technologies in networks, Internet and other evolving technologies.
Be sure to do some further online research in terms of certification and training as many great programs are available.Good luck!
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