Technology

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Median salary (BLS)

$116,580

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$56k – $188k

Job outlook

+8% (faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 9 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Qualification costs Stack income Best cities/states School ROI Job-posting fit Tailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

Junior Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Entry / Junior
$55,940
~2 yrs to advance
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Established
$116,580
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Senior
$152,525

Key skills

A typical day

•Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
•Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
•Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
•Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
•Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Technology

Explore all

Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.