Life As a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
Career Description Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
What Do Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Do On a Daily Basis?
- Develop application-specific software.
- Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
- Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
- Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
- Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
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Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Required Skills
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.
Related Job Titles
- Network Analyst
- Systems Developer
- Computer Systems Architect
- Firmware Engineer
- Systems Requirements Planner
Job Opportunities for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
There were about 287,200 jobs for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 22,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Salary for a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
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
How do I Become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?
Education needed to be a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?

Where Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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