Computer engineering career paths and salary expectations
A degree in computer engineering is a versatile credential that combines knowledge of both hardware and software, leading to a wide range of high-demand, high-paying career paths. Your chosen specialization will heavily influence your day-to-day work and salary potential.
Software Engineering
This is one of the most common paths, with a focus on designing, developing, and testing software applications and systems. Software engineers can specialize in areas like mobile development, web development, or enterprise systems.
- Career Path: An entry-level role is often a Junior Software Developer. With experience, you can move up to Senior Software Engineer, where you take on more complex projects and mentor others. The career can then branch into a technical track (e.g., Principal Engineer, Architect) or a management track (e.g., Engineering Manager).
- Salary Expectations: The median annual salary for software developers was approximately $131,450 in 2024. Entry-level salaries typically range from $70,000 to $115,000,