General
Computer Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Computer Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$77,203
Median Salary
$142,054
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
12.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,682,160
Entry (Early)
$77,203
Median (Prime)
$142,054
High (Prime)
$145,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+223k
+743k
+767k
$25k / yr
+133k
+653k
+677k
$50k / yr
+43k
+563k
+587k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
27
24
24
$25k / yr
35
26
26
$50k / yr
49
28
28
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
122%
601%
623%
$50k / yr
20%
259%
270%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate37.8%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Software developers
35.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$100,808
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$140,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Management occupations
4.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$66,800
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$164,701|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Engineers, All Other
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$86,893
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$128,621|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Computer and information systems managers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$134,394
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$170,037|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Computer occupations, all other
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,047
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,000|$116,580
openings
27,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.1%
Computer systems analysts
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$66,800
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,000|$105,850
openings
32,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.9%
Computer programmers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$77,173
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$108,085|$100,390
openings
4,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -7.3%
Computer support specialists
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$51,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,893|$62,890
openings
48,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%
Computer hardware engineers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$131,761|$161,740
openings
4,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
Top executives
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$231,713
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$205,876|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| computer engineering technologies/technicians. | Undergrad Certificate | 57 | $32,374 - $57,498 |
| computer engineering technologies/technicians. | Associate's Degree | 108 | $26,472 - $99,753 |
| computer engineering technologies/technicians. | Bachelor's Degree | 53 | $53,013 - $125,531 |
| computer engineering. | Undergrad Certificate | 3 | Data N/A |
| computer engineering. | Associate's Degree | 17 | $69,873 - $69,873 |
| computer engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 291 | $51,222 - $228,705 |
| computer engineering. | Master's Degree | 130 | $101,295 - $246,366 |
| computer engineering. | Doctoral Degree | 33 | Data N/A |