Computer engineer salary (2022)

The average salary for a computer engineer is $126,140

The average computer engineer salary in the United States across multiple levels of experience and locations is $126,140 per year. Average salary typically varies depending on experience level and your location. This average is based on computer engineers alone and does not account for any equity or other forms of compensation.

For a more in-depth look at salaries based on AngelList job data, check out our unique, dynamic salary tool which allows you to customize your salary estimate based on your role, location, skills, and market.

How much does a computer engineer make?

The typical salary range for computer engineers is between $70,100 and $192,110. The computer engineer pay scale varies based on location and experience.

Computer engineer pay by experience level

While salaries for computer engineers can vary greatly based on where you work and your level of education, one of the strongest indicators of salary is the level of experience you bring to the table. The starting salary for computer engineers starts at $70,100 per year. Graduates looking for their first engineering job will likely have a ways to go before making six figures.

• Entry-level computer engineers can make an average salary of $70,100 annually
• Mid-level computer engineers can make an average salary of $126,140 annually
• Senior-level computer engineers can make an average salary of $192,110 annually

Salary outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady 2% growth rate from 2020 to 2030 for computer engineers. While this is a bit slower than other fields’ growth, the BLS predicts 4,500 new job openings will become available every year within this time frame.

Likewise, the average annual pay for computer engineers has seen consistent increases over time. Below is a graph examining computer engineer average salary trends over the years.

Remote computer engineer trends

Computer engineers have also been affected by the shift to full-time remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 66% of leading engineers plan to continue offering remote work.

Before COVID, only 13% were working fully remote. Now, 74% of engineering teams across the nation work remotely. Only 22% of leading engineers prefer for their teams to work in an office.

What are the best-paying cities for computer engineers?

According to the BLS, the top two cities with the highest mean salary for computer engineers are San Jose, CA and Seattle, WA. Although the mean salary is still nearly 7% higher than the national average, San Francisco paid the lowest out of the top five cities.

• San Jose, California. Mean salary: $179,570 based on 6,980 jobs—42.35% higher than national average
• Seattle, Washington. Mean salary: $171,540 based on 1,660 jobs—36% higher than national average
• Boston, Massachusetts. Mean salary: $152,780 based on 1,840 jobs—21.11% higher than national average
• San Diego, California. Mean salary: $135,010 based on 1,110 jobs—7% higher than national average
• San Francisco, California. Mean salary: $134,950 based on 2,250 jobs—6.98% higher than national average

What are the best-paying states for computer engineers?

Washington and California were found to be the two highest paying states in the BLS findings, which organized computer engineering salary by state.

• Washington. Mean salary: $168,320 based on 1,750 jobs—33.43% higher than the national average
• California. Mean salary: $153,730 based on 15,140 jobs—21.87% higher than national average
• Massachusetts. Mean salary: $138,680 based on 2,400 jobs—9.94% higher than the national average
• Maryland. Mean salary: $126,870 based on 3,170 jobs—0.58% higher than the national average
• New York. Mean salary: $126,510 based on 1,100 jobs—0.29% higher than the national average

Top computer engineer skills

Computer engineers require a mix of technical, analytical, and soft skills in order to be successful. A solid list of acquired skills can help make your resume stand out to a potential employer.

Please note this is a general list. The required skills will likely vary based on company, specialty fields, and job listing.

• Electrical engineering
• Code reviewing
• Microprocessor design
• SDLC knowledge
• Operating systems
• Cryptography
• Digital signal processing
• Debugging
• Integrated circuits
• Robotics
• Embedded systems
• Quantum computing

Frequently asked questions

Is there a demand for computer engineers?

Yes, there is currently a demand for computer engineers. The BLS projects a steady 2% growth from 2020 to 2030 for computer engineers. Likewise, the same research projects 4,500 new job openings will become available each year.

Do I need a specific degree to become a computer engineer?

There is no requirement that you need a degree to become a computer engineer: many people take the self-taught route by enrolling in coding bootcamps and studying coding books.

Do computer engineers need to go to graduate school for a higher salary?

No, a graduate degree is not necessary. However, job seekers can expect their computer engineering salary to increase if they can show employers they’ve continued their education and acquired more knowledge and skills.

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Related job salaries

• Software engineer. The average salary for a software engineer is $111,000.
• Front-end engineer. The average salary for a front-end engineer is $100,000.
• Full-stack engineer. The average salary for a full-stack engineer is $102,000.
• Back-end engineer. The average salary for a back-end engineer is $107,000.