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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 costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$8,300–$24,000

Time to qualify

2.3 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    Industry certification (optional)

    Certification

    Vendor certifications (AWS, CompTIA, Google, Microsoft…) are a common entry booster, rarely a hard requirement.

    $300–$2,000 · 3 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Computer Systems Engineers/Architects" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

    Entry / Junior

    $55,940

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

    Established

    $116,580

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. 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

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