Average Starting Salary for Computer Engineer Graduates in 2022

Computer engineering is a dynamic field that students worldwide opt to study and later work in due to its high demand. The good news is that computer engineering will continue to be an invaluable need for employers locally and abroad due to the dizzying technological advances.

Read on to know what this position entails and the average starting salary for computer engineer graduates. We’ll review the basics and highlight everything you need to know about this broad and in-demand field.

What Is Computer Engineering?

As a computer engineer, your job is to merge the factors of computer science and electrical engineering to develop new technologies. Your job entails a combination of the following functions:

• Designing computer systems
• Developing programs for specific client requirements
• Maintaining hardware and software applications
• Creating hardware like circuit boards and routers
• Updating existing hardware and software technologies
• These are the basics of computer engineering in a nutshell.

If you specialize later, you’ll have different responsibilities based on your chosen niche.

Where Do Computer Engineers Work?

Fortunately, working as a computer engineer opens many career opportunities for candidates. Every industry requires computer engineers, especially since more businesses lean towards automation. Some of the places you can work include:

• Corporations
• Research Organizations
• Institutions of higher education
• Government
• Tech startups
• Manufacturers
• Systems Design Companies

You can work as a computer engineer in small, mid-size, and large businesses. Corporations are always on the lookout for talented candidates. And suppose you don’t have enough experience. In that case, you can apply for an internship and start learning from industry professionals as soon as you graduate.

What Skills and Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Computer Engineer?

You need specific skills to become a computer engineer. Some are more general and are “basics” that every graduate needs to have. Others are more specialized and depend on the niche. Some of the skills and qualifications candidates need to become computer engineers in 2022 include:

• Updated, professional knowledge of best practices in programming and engineering
• Knowledge of coding languages like HTML/CSS and programming languages like Python, Java, and Ruby
• The ability to develop databases
• Meticulous project management abilities, time management, and attention to detail
• The ability to communicate effectively with team members and executives
• The ability to perform thorough software and hardware analysis
• Be proficient in troubleshooting and knowing how to resolve standard software and hardware glitches

It would be best to stay abreast of the latest technologies and methodologies to improve your performance and make your life easier. The more involved and present you are in new technologies, the better equipped you are for career advancement.

Is There Room for Advancement or Specialization in this Field?

Yes, computer engineering allows you to advance and become a senior in your field. Moreover, many positions that aren’t specific to engineering require you to have a computer engineering degree. These jobs include technical support, multimedia programming, forensic computer analysis, and It consultancy.

You can also align your job with your interests. For example, if you’re a gamer, you can use your computer engineering degree to get into game development. If you’re the type who likes to learn more about software, you can get into software engineering.

Do I Need a Degree or Certifications to Become a Computer Engineer?

Many people are interested in this field without formal training and have strong computer engineering knowledge. However, a degree and a few certifications are necessary to get a good job and work for a reputable company.

You can look for free and paid certification options online and watch video tutorials about new and emerging technologies. The more information and relevant certifications you have, the likelier you’ll find an excellent position in a reputable company.

Some employers may forgo a degree if you have enough experience. However, don’t rely on that fact if you’re looking for a stable and growing career. A computer engineering degree shows employers that you have the knowledge, skills, and discipline to do the job. With a degree, you’ll have a more substantial chance of success when launching your career.

What is the Average Starting Salary for Computer Engineer Graduates?

Computer engineering graduates can make good money if they find the right company and niche that works for them. Depending on the company and the extent of your duties, you can look forward to a substantial starting salary even if you are a recent graduate.

According to Salary.com, the average starting salary for computer engineer graduates ranges between $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

As for Glassdoor, the salary ranges between $55,000 - $438,000 per year.

ZipRecruiter estimates the national average at $91,111 per annum, with hourly wages varying between $30.00 - $46.00.

As you can see, computer engineering is a lucrative career that allows you to make a good wage and have a higher quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Computer Engineer?

There are many benefits to choosing a career in computer engineering. Because you learn many skills, you can work multiple jobs and even create a side hustle. Additionally, the earning potential for this position is excellent and allows you to establish yourself comfortably. You’ll enjoy a good work-life balance and can work both on and off-site.

Moreover, this field will consistently challenge you. These challenges are helpful because it prevents you from getting bored quickly, stimulate your mind, and lets you solve problems. This position is an excellent fit if you find these appealing and genuinely enjoy working with computers and software.

Are There Downsides to a Computer Engineering Degree?

As with all careers, there are some downsides to working as a computer engineer. For one, you’ll have to stay updated on new technologies to remain relevant in your field. Like medicine, this field experiences continuous updates – and you can’t lag behind your peers if you want to get ahead.

Another downside to this field is that you may spend long hours sitting behind a screen. These extended hours can easily lead to a sedentary lifestyle, eye strain, back pain, and migraines. You may face health issues if you don’t take care of yourself.

Can I Customize a Computer Engineering Resume?

Once you have your degree and certifications and are ready to start looking for jobs, the next step is to draft a resume that gets results. Then, you can start applying through job sites or company portals to find the perfect job that suits your skills.

Creating a resume may seem tedious, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right tools to make it a seamless and enjoyable process. You can create a customized computer engineering resume with Rocket Resume.

With Rocket Resume’s intuitive tools, you’ll have your own custom computer engineering resume in minutes. Simply choose a template, answer a few questions, and input your information; the site will do the rest.

You don’t have to worry about Applicant Tracking Systems because all Rocket Resume templates pass through without errors or issues. Spend less time formatting your resume and more time finding the right career opportunity when you start with Rocket Resume’s easy-to-use features.

Now that you know the average starting salary for computer engineer graduates and have a clear trajectory, the next step is to format your resume and apply. Are you ready to launch a stellar computer engineering career? Start your resume now by creating an account with Rocket resume.