by our College Data Analytics TeamTechnology is rapidly changing and growing. New software and devices are constantly emerging in the market due to the work of Computer Engineers and Computer Engineering Technicians. Majoring in Computer Engineering Technology will teach you the technical skills you need to help computer engineers design computer hardware, software and peripheral systems. This major combines the knowledge of scientific, engineering, and computer skills to create real-world solutions to issues.
Students will learn how to assist engineers in design, developing, and innovating modern computer-based applications. Courses within this major include Data Communication Systems, Communications Circuits, Microprocessor Architecture, and Advanced Microcomputer Networks.
Some of the concentrations available within this major are Computer Systems Technology, Computer Software Technology, and Computer Hardware Technology. This major is often taken as a Bachelors degree; however it can be taken as an Associate's degree.
A degree in Computer Engineering Technology covers Computer Engineering Technologies/technicians. Continue reading for the important information every computer engineering technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer engineering technology programs.
Nationwide, computer engineering technology draws strong interest, with 3,275 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 169 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer engineering technology programs later in this article.
Programs in Computer Engineering Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
To be successful in Computer Engineering Technology computer and scientific skills are required. Creative minds tend to be drawn to this major because of how innovative this field is. In order to prepare for this major, you should seek classes in computer science and computer drafting. If you are interested in perusing a career in this field you should apply for internship opportunities in order to gain experience.
Skills developed in a computer engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a computer engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 145 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,207 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 775 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,053 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
People currently working in careers related to computer engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 31.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 29.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 22.8% |
| Some college courses | 6.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.2% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.5% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Students who complete a degree in Computer Engineering Technology commonly become Computer Technicians, Help Desk Managers, PC Support Technicians, Engineering Assistants, and Field Service Technicians. These jobs all require large amounts of computer knowledge and skill. They will work with innovating software and hardware and fixing existing problems. The demand for trained workers in this field is in very high. Due to the rapidly developing computers and other forms of technology, jobs in Computer Engineering Technology predicted to increase.
Majoring in computer engineering technology can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 150,615 | 0.3% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of computer engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,769 |
| 4 years | $47,945 |
| 5 years | $55,101 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Software Developers | $76,447 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,455 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 169 different computer engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering computer engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
