Genral INfo
Core Tasks
Workplace
Earnings
Education & Training
Attributes & Abilities
- Specialize in hardware or software engineering
- Hardware engineers create the pieces of electronic equipment that make up computer systems
- Systems software engineers make the operating systems that run computers, such as Windows
- Applications software engineers make the programs that complete tasks, such as Word
Workplace
- Work for software companies and manufacturers of computers or other products that use computer components
- There is often pressure to finish products quickly to beat rival firms to the marketplace
- 8 to 12-hour days are common, and many also work weekends as deadlines approach
- A lot of work is done at a desk, in front of a computer
- Work primarily in offices or labs
Earnings
- $54,000 to $149,000 a year or more
- The median is about $97,000 a year for hardware engineers
- The median is about $85,000 a year for applications software engineers
- The median is about $92,000 a year for systems software engineers
Education & Training
- A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related subject
- A master’s degree or PhD is often required for senior and advanced research positions
- Register as a Professional Engineer (PE)
Attributes & Abilities
- Logical
- Math and computer skills
- Comfortable with technology
- Problem-solving skills
- An understanding of business