What Do Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Do?
Job 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?
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
- Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
- Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
- Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
- Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
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Skills Needed to be a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
Below is a list of the skills most Computer Systems Engineers/Architects say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Other Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Job Titles
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Developer
- Network and Infrastructure Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Systems Requirements Planner
Are There Job Opportunities for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects?
In the United States, there were 287,200 jobs for Computer Systems Engineer/Architect in 2016. 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.
How Much Does a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect Make?
The salary for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects ranges between about $47,350 and $144,820 a year.

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 different U.S. states?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Systems Engineers/Architects:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Python
- jQuery
- React
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
How to Become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect
What education or degrees do I need to become a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
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