General
Computer Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Computer Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$76,692
Median Salary
$139,883
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
12.6%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,595,320
Entry (Early)
$76,692
Median (Prime)
$139,883
High (Prime)
$145,000
ROI Sensitivity Analysis
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
+216k
+724k
+765k
$25k / yr
+127k
+634k
+675k
$50k / yr
+37k
+544k
+585k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
28
24
24
$25k / yr
35
26
26
$50k / yr
50
28
28
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
116%
584%
621%
$50k / yr
17%
250%
269%
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).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate38.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Software developers
35.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$95,647
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$135,363|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Management occupations
4.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$74,970
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$166,600|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Computer and information systems managers
3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$165,184|$171,200
openings
55,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.2%
Engineers, All Other
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$87,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$130,319|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Computer systems analysts
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,613
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$114,000|$103,790
openings
34,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.7%
Computer occupations, all other
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,063
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,000|$108,970
openings
31,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.2%
Computer programmers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$76,692
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,797|$98,670
openings
5,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -6%
Computer support specialists
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$58,526
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$93,713|$61,550
openings
50,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%
Computer hardware engineers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$79,911
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$130,558|$155,020
openings
4,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.3%
Management analysts
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$93,713
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
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 | 73 | $32,374 - $57,498 |
| computer engineering technologies/technicians. | Associate's Degree | 128 | $26,472 - $99,753 |
| computer engineering technologies/technicians. | Bachelor's Degree | 61 | $53,013 - $125,531 |
| computer engineering. | Undergrad Certificate | 5 | $55,001 - $55,001 |
| computer engineering. | Associate's Degree | 19 | $69,873 - $69,873 |
| computer engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 303 | $51,222 - $228,705 |
| computer engineering. | Master's Degree | 136 | $101,295 - $246,366 |
| computer engineering. | Doctoral Degree | 35 | Data N/A |