Computer Engineer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Computer engineering can provide a rewarding career if you enjoy maths, 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: education, experience, and industry. You’ll find opportunities in telecommunications, aerospace, government agencies, etc.

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 several options in this growing field, including opportunities with some of the top tech employers and at the best locations, finding a job as a computer engineer is a popular choice. Explore the computer engineering profession and the average salary for a computer engineer to determine if it’s the right path for you.

How much do computer engineers make?

According to AmbitionBox, a computer engineer's estimated average salary is ₹10,70,000 annually [1]. Skilled computer engineers are in high demand as industries across India become increasingly technology-dependent, enhancing the competitiveness of this field. With the rapid growth of technology and the digitisation of services, job prospects for computer engineers are rising in India and worldwide. 

Factors affecting salary

The salary you can expect to earn depends on your field of work. Your education, experience, industry, and location will also affect your earnings. Additional certifications and specialisations can increase your earning potential, and if you are enrolled in a degree programme, you may find an internship opportunity. 

Education

You’ll typically need a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Hardware engineers typically study computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering.

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 to consider include the following:

• Red Hat Certified Engineer 

• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

• Professional Software Engineering Master (PSEM)

You can also build your resume and skill set with available certificate programmes. You’ll find popular certificate programmes in areas such as: 

• Machine learning

• Robotics

• 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 continue their regular studies and work at a full-time paid job in their field of study. Participating in a co-op can offer you hands-on experience to add to your resume.

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

Industry

As a computer engineer, you can enter a broad range of industries. For instance, you might work in system design, web development, research, manufacturing, security, and with the government. 

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, which a small company might not be able to offer.

Google ranks amongst the highest-paying companies, offering an attractive benefits package and work environment. Several leading IT firms in India, such as Infosys and TCS, also recruit computer engineers.

Industry and salary 

Industry can make a difference in earnings with system design, research and development, electronic manufacturing, and computer manufacturing among the top industries. Salaries range from ₹15,70,000 per year for system designers to ₹4,40,000 per year for computer engineers working in research and development [2,3].

Location and salary

The salary for a computer engineer can vary depending on the city in which they are based. Technological hubs like Bangalore, Pune, and Delhi might offer higher salaries than smaller cities. 

According to AmbitionBox, the average annual salaries for computer engineers in various Indian cities are as follows [1]: 

• Bangalore: ₹3,60,000

• Pune: ₹3,90,000

• New Delhi: ₹2,80,000

• Mumbai: ₹3,00,000

• Chennai: ₹3,70,000

Education and salary

While you can obtain the necessary computer science knowledge from sources other than a degree, it might be difficult to get higher salaries without a professional education. The minimum requirement for a computer engineering role is a bachelor’s degree, and those who perform at the top of their class or choose to pursue higher education, such as a master’s degree, can have the opportunity to increase their salaries. The type of university you choose also has an effect, with engineering students from premium colleges tending to earn higher salaries than those who attend non-premium colleges.

Job title variations and salary

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

Computer programmer

Average annual salary: ₹4,30,000 [4]

As a computer programmer, you write and test programs to ensure they work properly. You have experience writing computer languages, and you work with software developers for design. 

Software developer

Average annual salary: ₹8,00,000 [5]

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

IT consultant

Average annual salary: ₹10,60,000 [6]

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

Digital forensic analyst

Average annual salary: ₹4,70,000 [7]

If you are looking for a career working closely with or for law enforcement, a job as a digital forensic analyst might be a good match. Digital forensic analysts collect and analyse electronic data for legal and investigatory purposes.

Blockchain developer

Average annual salary: ₹9,40,000 [8]

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

Database developer

Average annual salary: ₹6,40,000 [9]

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

Boost your computer engineer salary potential with in-demand skills

Computer engineers can earn high salaries, depending on the job title, location, and industry. 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. To earn a bachelor’s degree online, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with the University of London in 36 to 72 months on Coursera.