There are countless career options for computer engineering majors in the information technology field, whether it’s artificial intelligence, software development, or software design. This article will introduce you to the best jobs for computer engineering majors and the different education paths you can take. It also includes job descriptions and the best schools and bootcamps for computer engineering degrees and certificates.
What Is a Computer Engineering Major?
A computer engineering major is designed to teach you about computer hardware and software and includes elements of physics, computer science, and mathematics. A computer engineering degree program opens up several engineering technology-based jobs.
You can become a software engineer, systems administrator, hardware engineer, or network support specialist. Even careers in the automobile industries and biomedical engineering sectors recruit people with computer engineering majors.
How to Become a Computer Engineer: Computer Engineering Education Options
You can become a computer engineer by enrolling in an advanced engineering program that includes computer science and electrical engineering. Getting a college-level education makes you eligible for several lucrative jobs, including hardware design engineer and computer engineer.
However, you can also enter several software careers with a non-traditional education option, such as coding bootcamps. Read below to find the different education options available for a computer engineering career.
Computer Engineering Bootcamp
A coding bootcamp is a short-term tech training that prepares you for an entry-level job within a few months. A computer engineering bootcamp focuses mostly on digital systems rather than hardware components and helps you build a software career. Below are the best computer engineering bootcamps to help you start your career in tech.
Best Computer Engineering Bootcamps
- Flatiron School – Engineering Immersion
- Hack Reactor – Engineering Immersion
- The Tech Academy – Full Stack Development
- Codeworks – Full Stack Development
- Skylab Coders – Full Stack Development
Computer Engineering Associate Degree
Community colleges offer associate degrees in computer engineering and cover the foundational to intermediate elements of hardware design and electrical engineering. This degree takes around two years to complete and is best suited for those looking to work in computer hardware and other electronic equipment design.
An associate degree also opens a career path for full-time jobs such as database administrator, software developer, and hardware developer. You will gain engineering skills, analytical skills, and information technology skills during your two years.
Best Associate Degree Programs in Computer Engineering
- ECPI University – Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering
- Purdue University Global Campus – Online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology
- New England Institute of Technology – Associate Degree in Software Engineering and Web Development
- Nashville State Technical Community College – Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology Concentration
- Glendale Community College – Associate Degree of Science in Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the standard requirement for most entry-level job opportunities in computer engineering. It takes anywhere between four to five years and covers hardware and software elements of engineering. You will learn integrated circuits, wide area networks, machine learning, and software development.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Computer Engineering
- Kansas State University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
- Indiana University Bloomington – Bachelor of Science in Intelligent System Engineering
- University of Florida – Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- University of Oklahoma – Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering is often an advanced specialization of hardware or software aspects of engineering. This two-to-three-year degree program offers specialization in database management, artificial intelligence, software development, and operating systems. Depending on your career of choice you can become a machine learning engineer, software developer, or database manager.
Best Master’s Degree Programs in Computer Engineering
- Texas A&M University – Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- University of Texas at Dallas – Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Northwestern University – Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Illinois Institute of Technology – Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Northeastern University – Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering Career Overview: Is a Computer Engineering Career Worth It?
Computer Engineering Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the projected job outlook for computer hardware engineers is two percent between 2020-2030. This job outlook rate is slower than most industries. However, software developers, QA analysts, and testers have a job outlook of 22 percent. Your job growth and security depend on the type of engineering job you have or are looking at.
Computer Engineering Salaries
Computer engineers and software developers earn high salaries that can increase as they climb up the career ladder. According to BLS, the average salary of computer hardware engineers is $119,560 per year.
On the other hand, the average annual salary for software developers, QA analysts, and testers is $110,140. Finally, electrical and electronics engineers earn an average salary of $103,390 per year.
Best Jobs for Computer Engineering Majors: What Can You Do With a Computer Engineering Degree?
There are job opportunities for computer science majors in a variety of industries, including information technology, business, consulting, and the automotive industry. A computer engineering education can lead to a software, hardware, electronic, AI, and electrical engineering career.
Best Computer Engineering Jobs for Coding Bootcamp Grads
| Job Title | Recommended Bootcamp | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Flatiron School | $138,500 |
| Software Developer | The Tech Academy | $124,000 |
| Database Administrator | BrainStation | $122,500 |
| Computer System Analyst | App Academy | $105,500 |
| Computer Support Specialist | Coder Academy | $61,500 |
Software Engineer
- Average Salary: $99,729
- Job Outlook: 22%*
Similar to the job duties of a software developer, software engineers also design, test, maintain, and develop software programs. They focus on the overall engineering structure of the software and work to enhance it for a better user experience.
Flatiron School’s software engineering full-time program is a great option for those looking to learn JavaScript, product design, and Ruby. The school offers an extensive career placement program and some of its alumni work at Google, Microsoft, and Apple.
Software Developer
- Average Salary: $86,523
- Job Outlook: 22%*
Software developers are responsible for developing, coding, and designing a computer’s software system. Job duties include software testing, system management, and program implementation. They work with UX/UI designers and marketing teams to create user friendly software.
The Tech Academy scores 4.7 out of 5 and offers a full-time and part-time software developer course that will help you start your developer journey. The school combines a strong curriculum and with top-of-the-line career services to help students land a job shortly after graduation.
Database Administrator
- Average Salary: $86,833
- Job Outlook: 8%
The standard requirement for a database administrator (DBA) is a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or Computer Science. However, a coding bootcamp also qualifies you for a junior DBA position. Your job duties will include developing database management systems architecture and maintaining it.
BrsinStation’s data science and data analytics courses can help you enter the DBA field. The courses cover data visualization, databases, Python programming, and data analysis. This school has an intensive curriculum based on hands-on projects.
Computer System Analyst
- Average Salary: $72,176
- Job Outlook: 7%
A computer systems analyst monitors, maintains, and tests computer systems regularly to upkeep the organization’s system operations. They also design solutions for identified weaknesses and help ensure systems run smoothly.
App Academy’s software engineering course covers Python, JavaScript, and computer science fundamentals to help you enter this profession. The school offers convenient financing options like income share agreements (ISAs) and deferred tuition.
Computer Support Specialist
- Average Salary: $44,918
- Job Outlook: 9%
Computer support specialists provide technical support and resolve tech issues for organizations and users. They troubleshoot IT problems and implement long-term solutions. They can also become in-field support specialists and help customers resolve issues with their WiFi and other systems. Coder Academy’s fast-track coding bootcamp can help you enter this field.
Best Jobs for Computer Engineering Associate Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Application Developer | MESA Community College | $137,000 |
| Electronics Engineer | ECPI University | $115,500 |
| Web Developer | Champlain College | $115,000 |
| Network Systems Administrator | Central Texas College | $99,000 |
| Computer Programmer | ECPI University | $94,500 |
Mobile Application Developer
- Average Salary: $101,899
- Job Outlook: 22%*
A mobile app developer programs applications for mobile platforms. They develop, test, and maintain code using languages such as C# and Python. You can choose to specialize in Android or iOS. A computer engineering associate degree can help you break into this field.
Electronics Engineer
- Average Salary: $88,276
- Job Outlook: 7%*****
Electronics engineers are responsible for engineering and designing the hardware components of electronic equipment. The equipment can include WiFi routers, GPS devices, and computers. An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering will teach you elements of electrical and electronic hardware design.
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Web Developer
- Average Salary: $75,073
- Job Outlook: 13%
A web developer creates functional and user-friendly websites. They also maintain and test a website’s functionality. Web development falls under the software branch of computer engineering.
Network Systems Administrator
- Average Salary: $73,193
- Job Outlook: 5%
Network systems administrators are in charge of troubleshooting network issues, monitoring system alerts, and installing software for overall network quality improvement. This position is also a management one, as you delegate assignments to network support specialists. The network systems administrators position is a senior one, so you will need several years of experience in addition to the associate degree.
Computer Programmer
- Average Salary: $65,142
- Job Outlook: -10%
Computer programmers build applications and software using different programming languages. They design and test the code and make necessary changes to create an optimal user experience. Although the standard requirement is a bachelor’s degree, you can get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering or Software Engineering to enter this field.
Best Jobs for Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| AI Designer | Stanford University | $165,000 |
| Computer Engineer | MIT | $155,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | Carnegie Mellon University | $140,000 |
| Database Developer | Colorado State University | $130,000 |
| Business Systems Analyst | MIT | $128,500 |
AI Designer
- Average Salary: $95,872
- Job Outlook: 22%*
The responsibilities of AI designers include collecting data for machine learning purposes and designing AI products. The job entails monitoring and testing data collection processes, establishing strict AI guidelines, and helping AI developers launch AI software. Getting a computer engineering degree can help you enter the machine learning field, but you will need to gain industry experience to enter the AI design field.
Computer Engineer
- Average Salary: $92,045
- Job Outlook: 2%**
Computer engineers work with both the hardware and software components of digital and electronic systems. Depending on the job, you can work with electric circuit boards, navigation systems, computer hardware, and device drivers, among many other components and systems. A bachelor’s degree will qualify you for an entry-level computer engineer position and you can climb the career ladder to earn higher compensation.
Information Security Analyst
- Average Salary: $99,944
- Job Outlook: 33%
Information security analysts work to secure the computer’s network and hardware and must be familiar with cyber security factors. They develop security systems and conduct penetration testing to safeguard network systems from potential threats.
You can also branch into cyber security fields by specializing in information security. Computer engineering will cover the hardware and software areas that you need to become an information security analyst.
Database Developer
- Average Salary: $95,066
- Job Outlook: 8%***
The job responsibilities of a database developer include building safe and secure databases and database management systems. They do this by conducting performance tests and implementing helpful solutions. They also organize and store big data. You can combine your computer engineering background with data science education to enter this field.
Business Systems Analyst
- Average Salary: $91,789
- Job Outlook: 7%****
For anyone interested in working for the business and fintech sector, the business systems analyst job is a great option. This job is a combination of operations management and systems analysis. You will need to learn about supply chain, financing, and CRM software.
Best Jobs for Computer Engineering Master’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Information Research Scientist | Maryville University | $141,000 |
| Computer Network Architect | University of California Berkeley | $140,000 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Texas A&M University | $132,000 |
| Information Systems Manager | MIT | $124,500 |
| Electrical Engineer | Northeastern University | $116,000 |
Information Research Scientist
- Average Salary: $71,960
- Job Outlook: 22%
Information research scientists use data, statistics, mathematics, and technology to conduct research on computing problems. Their job duties can range from improving a software program to developing a new programming language. This is a senior research and analytical profession and requires a Master’s or a Doctoral Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering.
Computer Network Architect
- Average Salary: $77,468
- Job Outlook: 5%
A computer network architect works to facilitate the communications between database management systems and computer networks. Their job duties include working with communication systems including WANs, LANs, and device drivers. A Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering or Electronics Engineering will set you up for this position.
Computer Hardware Engineer
- Average Salary: $75,273
- Job Outlook: 2%**
Computer hardware engineers have similar job duties to hardware designers but hold a senior position. They create designs for several hardware elements of a computer system. They also test their designed systems and make changes to create a product that works well with the software.
Information Systems Manager
- Average Salary: $90,937
- Job Outlook: 11%
An information systems manager, or IT manager, is responsible for the software, hardware, and network systems at an organization. Job responsibilities include managing teams of system analysts, signing off on major system upgrades, and delegating tasks. Although a master’s degree will qualify you for this management role, it is still wise to get one to two years of industry experience as well.
Electrical Engineer
- Average Salary: $87,216
- Job Outlook: 7%*****
Electrical engineering is a non-tech engineering field that deals with electrical systems design and management. Depending on your career path, you can work with factory-grade boilers, electronic systems, or home-based electric circuits.
A Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering will help you enter this field. However, for those wanting to get a senior electrical engineering position, a master’s degree is the way to go.
*Figure taken from BLS listing for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers
**Figure taken from BLS listing for computer hardware engineers
***Figure taken from BLS listing for database administrators and architects
****Figure taken from BLS listing for computer system analysts
*****Figure taken from BLS listing for electrical and electronics engineers
Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Computer Engineering
- Identify your career path. The computer engineering field includes a variety of software, data, business, and hardware career options. The first tip is to identify the career of your choice and specialize in that field.
- Build an impressive portfolio. Make sure to build an impressive portfolio that showcases in-demand IT skills and other desirable skills. The IT job market is a highly competitive one, so be sure to earn certifications that improve your candidacy.
- Join computer and software engineering discussion groups. Networking has become a common way of getting lucrative tech jobs today. You can join online computer engineering or other software forums to stay updated on the latest tech trends.
As we have shown you in this article, there are many potential career paths in the engineering, software, and hardware fields for computer engineering majors. If you are interested in working in the most in-demand tech careers, a computer engineering education is the way to go.
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