What is a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?
Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Example Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Life As a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect: What Do They Do?
- Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
- Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
- Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Should Know
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Jobs
- Software Development Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- System Architect
- Network Analyst
- Automation Engineer
Are There Job Opportunities for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 287,200 jobs in the United States for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 26,600 new jobs for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect by 2026. There will be an estimated 22,400 positions for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect per year.

The states with the most job growth for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect are Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $87,060 |
Alaska | $98,830 |
Arizona | $85,010 |
Arkansas | $73,670 |
California | $103,270 |
Colorado | $102,470 |
Connecticut | $100,340 |
District of Columbia | $117,540 |
Florida | $78,900 |
Georgia | $90,140 |
Hawaii | $89,960 |
Idaho | $80,610 |
Indiana | $79,310 |
Iowa | $78,810 |
Kansas | $79,300 |
Kentucky | $79,420 |
Louisiana | $66,600 |
Maine | $79,790 |
Maryland | $113,330 |
Massachusetts | $92,110 |
Michigan | $76,400 |
Minnesota | $81,650 |
Mississippi | $81,280 |
Missouri | $82,610 |
Montana | $68,430 |
Nebraska | $86,230 |
Nevada | $72,610 |
New Hampshire | $112,440 |
New Jersey | $99,210 |
New Mexico | $79,540 |
New York | $90,750 |
North Carolina | $88,650 |
North Dakota | $70,730 |
Ohio | $82,440 |
Oklahoma | $78,490 |
Oregon | $79,610 |
Pennsylvania | $87,040 |
Rhode Island | $81,290 |
South Carolina | $92,100 |
South Dakota | $81,250 |
Tennessee | $74,000 |
Texas | $90,290 |
Utah | $76,890 |
Vermont | $72,220 |
Virginia | $105,270 |
Washington | $91,620 |
West Virginia | $83,660 |
Wisconsin | $74,600 |
Wyoming | $75,780 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Systems Engineers/Architects may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Python
- React
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Becoming a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
What education is needed to be a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?

What work experience do I need to become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Sector

Below are examples of industries where Computer Systems Engineers/Architects work:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |