Launch your career as a computer engineer
Put your math and science expertise to good use. Explore a lucrative career in the fast-growing computer engineering industry.
What does a computer engineer do?
Computer engineers design and develop hardware and software systems and components. These professionals apply a unique combination of computer science and electrical engineering skills to improve technology across wide-ranging fields, from healthcare to AI.
Creative thinkers and skilled problem-solvers with a passion for math and science make excellent computer engineers. Aspiring professionals can further hone their skills in a popular specialty, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, or machine learning, to expand their job opportunities and increase their earning potential.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Your path to becoming a computer engineer
For career starters
Ready to launch your career in computer engineering? Start here:
- Earn your degree: Consider earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. A bachelor's degree is commonly required for entry-level computer engineering jobs, though some employers may require a master's degree.
- Learn to code: Coding skills are preferred or required for most entry-level computer engineering jobs. While coding may not be your primary job responsibility, computer engineers should learn commonly used programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript.
- Gain work experience: Computer science jobs sometimes require professional experience in a related field. Take advantage of entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training.
For career starters
Ready to launch your career in computer engineering? Start here:
- Earn your degree: Consider earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. A bachelor's degree is commonly required for entry-level computer engineering jobs, though some employers may require a master's degree.
- Learn to code: Coding skills are preferred or required for most entry-level computer engineering jobs. While coding may not be your primary job responsibility, computer engineers should learn commonly used programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript.
- Gain work experience: Computer science jobs sometimes require professional experience in a related field. Take advantage of entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training.
Programs that can prepare you for a computer engineering role
What do you need to work as a computer engineer?
Essential skills
- Programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++
- Strong understanding of hardware and software
- Knowledge of algorithms and data structures
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking
Educational requirements
- Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field, preferably from an ABET-accredited program
- Practical, hands-on work experience is often preferred or required
Licenses and certifications
Entry-level jobs in computer engineering typically do not require licensure or certification; however, some advanced positions may require specialty or vendor-specific professional certificates.
"The classes have not been easy, and they have very high expectations, but I think that is exactly what has made them such a valuable and worthwhile experience in my life."
— Kyung Mok Bae | Rockville, MD | MITx Circuits and Electronics
Computer engineering industry insights
Computer engineering encompasses a wide variety of computer science and IT occupations. According to the BLS, roles in computer engineering, including hardware engineer, software developer, and computer network architect, are growing faster than the average for all occupations. Strong demand should continue for these and similar computer engineering jobs as products ranging from electric vehicles to household appliances increasingly rely on computerized components.
While salaries for computer engineers vary by position, computer hardware engineers, for example, earned an annual median salary of $155,020 as of May 2024, according to the BLS.
Industries you could work in
- Semiconductor and electronic manufacturing
- Research and development
- Computer systems design
- Federal government
- Computer manufacturing
Common job titles
- Computer hardware engineer
- Computer programmer
- Network and computer systems administrator
- Software developer
- Computer network architect
Professional associations
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- The Computing Research Association (CRA)
- IEEE Computer Society
Source: BLS
Explore top computer engineering salaries by state
Your salary as a computer engineer depends on your location as much as your skills and experience. The map below shows the salaries for top computer engineering positions by state.
Computer engineering career track
Computer engineers can enjoy a long and far-reaching career trajectory. Most aspiring computer engineers earn a bachelor's degree and pursue entry-level positions before considering a more specialized area of expertise. Mid- and late-career positions tend to require an advanced degree and/or years of experience in management and leadership.
Many professionals work their way up to top IT positions, such as team lead or computer architect, while others aspire to roles in academia, research, or entrepreneurship.
Early career
1–4 years
- Junior software engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Network engineer
Mid career
5–10 years
- Senior software engineer
- Data scientist
- Cybersecurity analyst
Late career
11–15 years
- Team lead manager
- Computer architect
- Computer engineering professor
C-suite
15+ years
- Computer and information research scientist
- Consultant
- Chief technology officer
Ready to advance your career?