Computer engineering technicians are typically associate's or bachelor's degree program graduates who have the computer science and information technology background needed to assist computer engineers. However, job opportunities in this field are expected to decline slightly over the next ten years.
Computer engineering technicians assist engineers in the design of computer hardware and software, as well as apply science and engineering principles in the implementation of designs. Although some of these technicians hold a bachelor's degree related to computer science or computer engineering, an associate's degree in computer engineering technology or electrical engineering technology is usually all that is required for entry-level employment. Such programs provide the computer programming, networking and electronics knowledge these technicians need in the workplace.
|Required Education||Associate's degree in computer engineering technology or electrical engineering technology for entry-level|
|Projected Job Growth||-2% for all electrical and electronics engineering technicians from 2014-2024*|
|Median Salary (2015)||$61,130 annually for all electrical and electronics engineering technicians*|
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Education Information for Computer Engineering Technicians
Entry-level work is available to individuals who complete an associate's degree program in computer engineering technology or electrical engineering technology, which prepares students to test and maintain existing computer systems. Common coursework includes mathematics, electronic circuits, programming languages, microprocessor principles and data networking basics.
In addition to computer engineering technology bachelor's degree programs, students may consider related programs that provide the basis for a computer engineering technician career, such as computer science, information technology and management information systems. Generally, these programs prepare students to design and develop new computer systems through coursework in areas like project management, operating systems and technical writing.
Career Information for Computer Engineering Technicians
Job Description and Duties
Generally, computer engineering technicians apply knowledge of computer principles to implement the designs of hardware and software engineers. Technicians perform calculations and projections to help create designs, build and test prototypes to improve their designs and conduct quality control in production environments.
Employment and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronic engineering technician employment was projected to see a 2% decline from 2014 to 2024. The BLS also reported that these technicians held approximately 139,080 jobs in 2015. The BLS also noted that in May 2015 the median annual salary for electrical and electronics engineering technicians was $61,130.
Computer engineering technicians use their knowledge of computers and electronic circuitry to assist in the creation of computer hardware and software. They may run tests and work in production. An associate's degree is needed to enter this career, but pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field would also be relevant education.