Computer Engineer Salary: Your 2024 Guide

According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for a computer engineer is $91,650 [1]. As you can see, computer engineering can provide a lucrative and rewarding career if you enjoy math, physics, computer science, electricity, and electronics. Jobs as a web developer, software engineer, electronics engineer, or computer programmer are among the many options. 

Your salary depends on several factors, such as education, experience, and the industry. You’ll find opportunities in telecommunications, aerospace, government agencies, and many others.

Depending on the field of computer engineering you work in, you may be designing and testing software or hardware systems or working with other computer system professionals to develop information security systems.  

With plentiful options in this growing field, including opportunities with some of the top tech employers and in the best locations, finding a job as a computer engineer is a popular choice. Discover more about the salary of a computer engineer and the factors that can affect it.

Read more: What Is Computer Engineering? Career Guide + FAQ

What is the salary of a computer engineer?

According to Glassdoor, as a computer engineer, you can earn an estimated median total salary of $116,215 per year [1]. This figure includes a base salary of $91,650 per year and $24,565 in additional annual pay [1]. Additional pay insights may include profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that computer engineering opportunities will increase by 7 percent between 2023 and 2033 [2]. This projection is faster than the growth for all occupations.

What does a computer engineer do?

Computer engineers research and develop not only computer systems but also the components used to construct them, such as circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and routers. In this role, you might create devices for vehicles, the medical community, or even someone’s home. You will also collaborate with software developers to ensure that your hardware and their software work well together. Finally, you might figure out methods for enhancing the security of a computer.

Factors affecting salary

Your level of education and experience will affect your earnings, and your industry and location can also impact a computer engineering salary. Additional certifications and specializations can also increase a computer hardware engineering salary, and if you are enrolled in a degree program, you may find an internship opportunity. 

Education

Sixty-six percent of computer engineers hold a bachelor's degree, 14 percent hold a master's degree, and 11 percent hold an associate degree, according to Zippia [3]. Most hardware engineers study computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering.

Read more: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

Certifications

You can seek certifications as a stepping-stone to further education or to enter the field. If you’re already working in a computer engineering position, certifications can help advance your career. 

Vendor certifications can increase your knowledge and skills and enhance your resume if you’re seeking a career as a computer engineer or want to advance in your current position. Some certifications include:

• Red Hat Certified Engineer 

• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

• Professional Software Engineering Master (PSEM)

Certificate programs are also available. Some popular certificates are found in areas including:

• Machine learning

• Internet engineering

• Computer security

Level of experience 

Entering the field of computer engineering typically requires a degree, preferably a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a closely related field. While in college, experience gained through an internship or cooperative education (Co-op) can benefit your career search. 

A Co-op allows students to take their regular studies and work at a full-time paid job in their field of study. Participating in a Co-op can offer you real-world experience to add to your resume, and some schools also offer college credit.

Recent graduates can also apply for internships to add to their resumes. Attending college career recruitments can lead you to job opportunities that can provide you with experience to advance your career.  

Industry

As a computer engineer, the industries you can enter are vast. You can work in system design, web development, research, manufacturing, security, and with the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation hires digital forensic examiners, data analysts and scientists, and computer scientists.

Top companies

If your goal is to work for one of the major tech companies as a computer engineer, you can expect good working conditions. Typically, these corporations have higher earnings and benefits that a small company might not be able to offer.

Google is ranked as one of the highest-paying companies, offering an attractive benefits package and work environment. Apple is also highly rated as one of the best tech companies to work for. It offers flexibility for those with family commitments and offers its employees discounts on its products.

If you're interested in working for a social media company, Meta ranks high as a good place to work with plenty of perks. The company has a high employee retention rate, so it may be more competitive. 

Industry and salary 

Industry can make a difference in earnings, with computer equipment manufacturing, scientific research, and information services among the top industries. Salaries range from $159,080 for computer engineers working for electronics and appliance retailers to $250,410 for those working for web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services [4].

Location and salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists California and Massachusetts as having the highest-paying computer engineering positions [4]. Additionally, the BLS states that California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Colorado, Maryland, and Rhode Island offer the highest concentration of positions in computer engineering [4]. 

The BLS reports the following states offer the highest annual mean wage [4]: 

• California: $173,270

• Massachusetts: $158,070

• Virginia: $149,690

• Oregon: $146,520

• Washington: $145,670

Education and salary

Those who hold the highest paying computer engineering positions have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The BLS lists computer and information research scientists earning $145,080 for those with a master’s degree and network administrators earning $95,360 with a bachelor’s degree [5]. It is possible to work as a computer support specialist with an associate degree or certification. Support specialists earn a median salary of $60,810 [5].

Read more: Is a Master's Degree Worth It?

Job title variations and salary

Many careers fall under computer engineering or can be a popular side step or upgrade, which means the salary you can expect to earn will most likely depend on your job title. Some of the more common jobs for computer engineers to move into include:

Software developer

Median annual salary: $101,820 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [7]

As a software developer, you design computer applications and software updates.

IT Consultant

Median annual salary: $91,706 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 26 percent [9]

As an IT consultant, your role is to improve technology for a company or organization. 

Forensic computer analyst

Median annual salary: $90,755 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [11]

If you are looking for a career working closely with or for law enforcement, a job as a forensic computer analyst might be a good match. Forensic analysts work to find misuse and other vulnerabilities.

Blockchain developer

Median annual salary: $103,281 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [7]

A blockchain developer is a software developer who focuses on blockchain technology. They build, maintain, and design blockchain applications and systems.

Read more: What is a Blockchain Developer (and How Do I Become One?)

Database developer

Median annual salary: $104,503 [13]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [14]

Database developers are responsible for designing and implementing computer databases based on an organization's needs. They troubleshoot issues and aim to increase data management efficiency.

Learn more about computer engineering on Coursera

If you enjoy physics and computer science, the field of computer engineering can offer you a career that is both rewarding and lucrative. If you're new to the field, consider enrolling in a beginner-friendly, free, online course like the Georgia Institute of Technology's Introduction to Engineering Mechanics. If you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree online, The University of London offers an online computer engineering degree program that can be completed in 36 to 72 months.