Information Technology

COMPUTER ANIMATOR

Computer animation is the process used for generating animated images. The more general term computer-
generated imagery (CGI) encompasses both static scenes and dynamic images, while
computer animation only refers to the moving images. Modern computer animation usually uses 3D computer
graphics, although 2D computer graphics are still used for stylistic, low bandwidth, and faster real-time
renderings. Sometimes, the target of the animation is the computer itself, but sometimes film as well.

The median salary is around $61,000 per year, but make sure to check out the Golden State, which has the
highest salaries at closer to $85,000 on average (source). As a computer animator, you could hit the jackpot if
you land a job working for a company that's on a winning streak.

How to Become a Computer Animator in 5 Steps

Step 1: Research Computer Animation Career Duties and Education. As a computer animator, you must
possess strong artistic skills and technical abilities. ...
Step 2: Earn Your Degree. ...
Step 2: Work as an Intern. ...
Step 4: Develop Your Portfolio. ...
Step 5: Become a Member of a Professional Association.

Animator

Animators first draw images by hand and then use computers to animate these images for television programs,
films and video games. Computers allow animators to make objects appear lifelike through the manipulation of
brightness, quality, dimness and color. O*Net, (www.online.onetcenter.org), notes that animators use
information from the writers in order to draft, plan and create both crucial story elements and narrative
sequences in an animated format. Animators can work on multiple projects at a time, but it is crucial that
deadlines be met in order to get a finished project out to the public on time.

Education Required to Become an Animator

While certificate programs and associate degree programs in animation are available, most employers require
that animators have at least a bachelor's degree. Career Onestop, (www.acinet.org), reports that a bachelor's
degree is the most common level of education for professional animators. The Bachelor of Fine Arts and
Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects are two of the best degree choices for prospective
animators. These degree programs combine both art and computer courses.

Job Training and Certifications Required to Become an Animator

After obtaining their education, animators require some job training either through internships or with entry-
level positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), newly hired artists and
animators usually start with routine work while observing senior members on the staff. They practice animation
techniques, developing the skills needed to handle more complicated tasks. No certification is required to
become a professional animator; certifications in computer proficiency, however, can be helpful in an
animator's job search.

Animators use powerful animation software and computers to create 2-D and 3-D animation for websites, film,
video, gaming, and mobile media. Drawing and sculpting skills still play a role in today's animation, but cutting-
edge technology has combined with art to expand the field. Often working from home, some animators are
self-employed and must always be on the lookout for new freelance assignments. Others are employed full-
time by companies and studios. In either case, work weeks are often long, and animators sometimes work
nights and weekends.

Career Requirements

Degree
Bachelor's degree standard
Level

Degree
Computer animation, fine art, graphic arts
Field

Training Some employers require on-the-job training in using company specific software

Experience 1 year for entry-level positions; 3 or more years for mid-level or advanced positions

Creative, artistic, communication, computer and time-management skills; ability to use animation
Key Skills
and video editing software

Salary $63,970 per year (2015 median salary for all multimedia artists and animators)
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write the code that allows all computer applications to run. They are responsible for
the millions of lines of code it takes to run everything from our phones to satellites to EKG machines.

They do this by communicating with computers in programming languages. Applications, systems, and
platforms are written in a variety of languages, such C++ or Python. Programmers learn to “speak” these
languages and are able to create programs that allow searching, surfing and selfies.
Often, computer programmers work closely with software developers and engineers. The developers create a
design, and the programmers carry it to completion. They problem solve and fine tune the details of coding to
ensure the program works as designed.

Programming projects vary greatly in complexity and duration. Some require knowledge of more than one
language. Others may be year-long endeavors. All require attention to detail. Regardless of their assigned
project parameters, highly proficient computer programmers should possess certain key skills.

AVERAGE PROGRAMMING SALARIES

$82,69014’

$78,26012’

$74,90010’

$73,47008’

$69,50006’

$65,91004’

Computer Programmer Education Requirements and Career Information

Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a computer programmer. Get a quick view of
the requirements as well as details about schooling, job duties and certification to find out if this is the career
for you.

Computer programmers often find employment based on their range and length of experience in the field. An
associate's degree paired with work experience may be enough for a computer programmer to find work.
Certification is voluntary but also adds to a computer programmers' credibility.

Essential Information
Computer programmers write, or code, the programs that tell computers what to do. This is accomplished by
converting the software program, designed by software engineers, into a series of instructions a computer can
follow. The job is multifaceted in that it entails creating, adapting, modifying, troubleshooting and maintaining
programs. Although having a bachelor's or master's degree is most often required for computer programming
jobs, those with related work experience may only need a certificate or associate's degree. Depending on
where they work, programmers may also need to seek certification.
 Certificate or associate's degree with considerable work experience; bachelor's
Required Education
degree most often required; master's degree for some jobs

Certification Programming certification sometimes required

Projected Job Growth

-8%
(2014-2024)*

Median Salary (2015)* $79,530 annually

Computer Programmer Education Requirements

Undergraduate certificates and associate's degrees suffice for some entry-level positions in computer
programming, usually only if the applicant has a good amount of applicable work experience. Most employers,
however, require programmers to hold at least a bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science,
mathematics or information systems. Some jobs even call for a master's degree. Graduate certificates in
computer programming are often pursued by individuals to augment a bachelor's degree in business,
accounting or finance. Typical courses in a computer programming program cover programming logic, system
design and development, programming languages, database management and structured query language
(SQL).

Career Information
Systems programmers develop systems that act as the computer's brains. Applications programmers develop
systems that allow computers to do different jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(www.bls.gov), job opportunities for computer programmers were projected to decline by 8% between 2014
and 2024. This is below average growth due to outsourcing of jobs since many users are now able to write
their own programs. In addition, some programming functions may become automated. Programmers now
often assist software engineers in a number of their duties, such as the identification of user needs and
program design. The demand for programmers is highest for individuals who have good technical skills and a
solid grasp of the programming needs of specific employers' businesses.

Advancement
Because of the computer field's rapidly changing nature, programmers are advised to build on their expertise.
With experience and additional courses, programmers may become lead programmers, supervisors or
analysts. With more advanced degrees and specialized knowledge, programmers can advance to become full-
fledged software engineers. Further training, particularly in business, affords engineers the opportunity to
become project managers, information officers, systems managers or independent consultants.

Certification
Professional and academic organizations offer various certifications. Although these are usually voluntary,
certification indicates a level of competence, which can work to an individual's advantage in seeking
employment or advancement. Vendors and software firms commonly require individuals to complete a
certification program in order to work with their product.
Computer programmers often work with software engineers in converting programs into codes that a computer
can process. Experience is a primary asset in the computer programing field, so pursuing a graduate certificate
or degree, or taking standalone courses, are good options that can lead to job mobility and career
advancement.
 Business

Business Advisor
As a business advisor, it's your responsibility to provide guidance to small and mid-sized businesses. You'll
need bachelor's degree in business or an MBA with a special focus in marketing for certain positions.

Essential Information
Business advisors provide financial and strategic advice to small and mid-sized companies. At minimum, a
bachelor's degree is generally required for this job, but advisors must also have an excellent business sense
and keen communication skills

A bachelor's degree in business; some also have a Master of Business

Required Education
Administration with a specialization in areas such as marketing or law

Projected Job Growth

14% (for management analysts)
(2014-2024)*

Median Annual Salary

$81,320 (for management analysts)
(May 2015)*

Responsibilities
As a business adviser, you'll need to:

 possess an in-depth knowledge of the business support landscape and the ability to advise businesses
on the range of options available
 undertake diagnostic needs assessments with businesses, including analysing the needs of the
business and working with the client to put a business action plan in place
 develop your own professional network of associates who can provide a broad range of business and
enterprise support services to your clients
 build positive relationships with clients, partners, associates and networks
 have excellent mentoring and coaching skills
 attend meetings with networks and associates to ensure you keep up to date with global, national,
regional and local business support initiatives to ensure your business clients benefit
 undertake research on behalf of a business
 communicate with clients, networks and associates
 provide start-up businesses with advice and guidance to assist them to successfully set up and
commence trading (and go on to maintain their own sustainable business)
 provide tutoring on, for example, suitable business plans and cash flow plans
 organise and deliver business networking events and business education seminars and workshops.

Salary

 Entry-level salaries for start-up business advisers range between £18,000 and £25,000.
 More experienced and specialist business support advisers and coaches can earn up to £40,000.
 Economic development advisers and management consultants can earn significantly higher salaries.
Qualifications
Although no formal qualifications are required, a business-related degree would be an advantage.
Many business advisers are graduates from a variety of disciplines, who started out in a professional and
financial service such as HR, recruitment, marketing, accountancy, finance and banking. Many business
advisers have worked in industry and have run their own businesses. Other business advisers develop their
skills within local government, working in economic development advisory roles.
Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) is the awarding body for enterprise education. It
delivers nationally-recognised qualifications in enterprise support, which are often requested by recruiters.
Relevant qualifications include:

 Level 8 Diploma in Business and Enterprise Support

 Level 7 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Coaching Services
 Level 5 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services
 Level 4 Certificate in the Provision of Skills Development Advice to a Business
 Level 3 Award in Enterprise Mentoring.

Skills
You will need to show:

 business acumen
 a good understanding of business functions such as sales and marketing, finance, operations,
leadership and management
 strong verbal communication skills for articulating ideas to clients
 excellent written communication skills for producing plans, reports, evaluations and funding applications
 strong numeracy skills and a good command of English, with the ability to adapt these to a range of
clients
 the ability to listen and interpret clients' needs and requests
 good analytical skills to conduct needs assessments, analyse data and produce clearly defined reports
and action plans
 close attention to detail and accuracy
 organisational skills with the ability to collect and disseminate information
 the ability to work independently and flexibly
 a capacity to prioritise your work and to work across multiple projects
 a high level of interpersonal skills, including team-work and the ability to build effective relationships
with clients and deliver excellent customer service
 creative skills to enable you to solve problems and contribute new and innovative ideas
 the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
 networking and consultancy skills
 knowledge of the existing and emerging business support landscape
 excellent IT skills and knowledge of social media platforms.

Work experience
Local government, local enterprise partnerships, charities and social enterprises, such as the Prince's Trust,
are good places to look for work experience. While studying, find out what enterprise initiatives are available
through your university and Student Union.
Gain experience of starting your own business, or spend time shadowing a small to medium-sized enterprise
(SME) to develop an understanding of business operations and the challenges they face.
Stockbrokers

Job Description

Not any Tom, Dick or Harry can buy or sell stocks on the stock exchange: it has to be done through a
professional and regulated broker, which is why stockbrokers exist, providing a service for clients wishing to
buy or sell shares on the stock exchange. It’s a very attractive and popular career, not least because of the
substantial pay packets.
There are three types of services offered by a stockbroker: execution-only, where the stockbroker follows
clients’ instructions to buy or sell; advisory, where the broker helps the client to decide on which shares to buy
or sell, although the client has the final decision; and discretionary, where the broker, after being briefed on the
client’s investment objectives, is given complete control over all the dealing decisions made on the client’s
behalf.

The “buy low, sell high” maxim is engraved on a stockbroker’s soul. They keep a finger on the pulse of the
financial market, researching stock and shares and keeping up to date with all the latest financial news. They
put all these factors into speculating the ripe time to buy or sell a share, making their money through the
brokerage they get after every transaction is made.

It’s a highly client-facing role. Stockbrokers try to build up and maintain a healthy roster of clients: this means
reporting to them, keeping track of their investments and trying to maximise their financial assets. Portfolio
management plays a big part in this, assessing the needs and risk-taking abilities of the client and matching it
with the right type of stocks and shares.

Consequently, stockbroking is very much a sales role, in that they have to convince new clients to entrust them
with their funds and assets. In between all the buying and selling, a good stockbroker spends plenty of time
marketing themselves and networking their socks off to get new clients.

Salary

The salary is a big draw to the profession. Starting salaries can be high, ranging from £24,000 to £35,000.

Experienced stockbrokers usually pocket a salary of £45,000 to £80,000 a year, whilst those at the top of their
game can earn well over £100,000 a year.

As they are essentially sales agents, stockbrokers’ salaries are often significantly increased through
commissions and bonuses.

Entry

There are no strict academic requirements to become a stockbroker, but most employers will be looking for
those with a degree. This can be in any subject, but a degree in economics, business or finance might put
those wishing to enter the profession at an advantage.

A good understanding of how financial markets work is essential, and most employers will expect trainees to
have previous work experience in an investment bank, firm of stockbrokers or similar.

Employers will also be looking for strong decision making skills, top notch communication skills and bucket
loads of confidence. High energy levels are needed to keep up with the pace and high pressure of the working
environment, whilst good mathematical and I.T. skills will put a trainee stockbroker in good stead, as will the
ability to process complex information.

If you want to work with overseas clients, language skills (such as in French, German, Japanese and Russian)
will be extremely helpful.
Training and Profession

Stockbrokers need to be registered with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as an ‘authorised person’
before they can practise, which means passing a number of exams.
Much of the training is on the job, although many trainee stockbrokers will probably study towards
qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) or the Chartered Financial
Analyst (CFA) Society, such as an investment management certificate.
Progress can be meteoric with top brokers pulling in staggeringly high salaries. It’s a tough world, but many
stockbrokers manage to rustle up a successful list of clients, moving onto account or fund manager positions.

Others will choose to specialise in trading or investment management, building up a high-profile client list and
reaping the rewards.

Stockbrokers are individuals who buy and sell stocks and other securities for retail and institutional clients,
through a stock exchange or over the counter, in return for a fee or a commission.
Depending on the client base, stockbroking can be:

 institutional - services are provided to fund managers and other financial institutions. Institutional clients
are generally quite knowledgeable and independent from the broker - they can also use different
stockbrokers for different markets. Institutional broking brings higher revenue for the stockbroking firm.
 retail - services are provided to retail investors, who are generally wealthy individuals and with whom
stockbrokers work directly.

Stockbrokers also operate in a number of ways:

 discretionary - you'll manage all investments and make decisions on clients' behalf, buying and selling
shares on the stock market
 advisory - you'll advise on appropriate investments without directly making the decisions, and you won't
be involved in the direct purchase of assets. In institutional broking this is the main way in which you'll
operate
 executive - you'll engage in investment activities, only on explicit request from your clients.

In all cases, you'll deal with your clients directly and manage their wealth portfolios. Stockbrokers are expected
to manage existing clients and develop new business.
Types of stockbrokers

 Full service broker - you'll provide a personal service to your clients and pass on important information
that won't be available to those without the full brokerage service. Usually you'll receive commission if
the client invests in the stocks your firm specialises in. You'll deliver personalised research and
recommendations on investments.
 Discount broker - involves creating a list of recommended stocks to send to your clients, without
backing this up by your research.
 Online broker - you will support your clients in carrying out their own research by providing them with
charts, investment news and a selection of stocks for them to consider. Contact with clients is not
personal and they generally have a good knowledge of the stock market.

Responsibilities
As a stockbroker, you'll need to:

 keep up to date with the latest financial and tax legislation

 stay informed of the latest financial news to understand the movements in the market and the drivers of
change
  carry out specific market research and analysis
 write reports and newsletters summarising the market research you've done
 proactively look for clients, sell your services and manage those relationships (in the business this is
referred to as 'client service and recruitment'). You'll do this through a combination of networking and
cold calling
 regularly update your clients on the state of their portfolio and new investment opportunities
 give presentations to clients at conferences and networking events
 ensure that you understand your clients' needs, enabling you to make appropriate suggestions for their
investments
 be honest and provide all information, including risks. As a broker you cannot exaggerate or provide
misleading information.

It's likely that you'll work on commission and it's very important that you remember your fiduciary duty towards
all your clients, which means that clients have placed the utmost trust and confidence in you to manage and
protect their money and investments.
Qualifications
Most employers will be searching for candidates with good undergraduate degrees. You may have an
advantage if your first degree is in:

 accountancy
 business studies
 economics
 engineering
 finance
 mathematics
 statistics.

Skills
You'll need to demonstrate:

 excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including strong negotiating skills

 the ability to operate in a lively and fast-paced environment
 natural sales ability
 strong numeracy skills
 analytical and research skills
 the ability to work independently but also as a part of a team
 project and time management skills
 presentation skills
 a disposition for taking risks
 assertiveness and problem-solving ability
 IT competence
 the ability to process and retain information quickly
 a willingness to travel.

Work experience
Work experience in sales and customer-facing roles is an advantage. Experience in stockbroking is not
necessary as many firms offer the necessary training.
Internships and placements offered by the major players can certainly bring you up to speed with the current
trends in the market and its jargon. Getting a relevant internship in your first or second year of university is
critical - it's very hard to get an interview without that experience.
You can get in touch with the department in your university responsible for sourcing internships and
placements, however information of current opportunities is available from individual company websites.
 Software development
Computer Information Systems Manager
Computer information systems managers require a significant amount of formal education. Learn more about
the degree programs and job duties for this career to decide if it's right for you.

If you are interested in making both hardware and software-related decisions on behalf of a company and have
the knowledge and experience for an upper-management level career, you might consider computer
information systems management. These requirements include a bachelor's or higher degree in computer
science, and excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.

Essential Information
A computer information systems manager determines the technological needs of a company and seeks to
meet those needs by recommending and implementing computer hardware, software and programs. This
career typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or management information systems,
although a master's degree is often recommended.

Required Education Bachelor's degree

Other Education Master's degree recommended

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)* 15%

Average Salary (2015)* $141,000

Job Description for a Computer Information Systems Manager

An organization that requires computer technology to perform work duties counts on a computer information
systems manager to keep everything operational. The computer information systems manager is responsible
for administering and implementing all computer-related technologies, including network security, Internet
operations and software upgrades.
An entire organization's computer efforts may be overseen by the computer information systems manager. For
example, they may supervise the installation of new computer hardware and the maintenance of security
networks. Computer software engineers, computer systems analysts, computer support specialists and
computer programmers may all work under a computer information systems manager.

Outlook and Salary Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that job openings in this profession were likely to increase
15% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than average. In 2015, the BLS reported an average annual
salary of $141,000 for computer and information systems managers. At that time, the highest-paying industries
for these professionals included securities and commodity exchanges as well as securities and commodity
contracts intermediation and brokerage.

Job Requirements
Computer information system managers work in office settings and can be expected to work beyond the
normal 40-hour work week. If a deadline is close or a problem occurs, the computer information systems
manager might have to work on weekends or during the evening. According to the BLS, about two in five
computer information systems managers worked more than 40 hours a week in 2014 (www.bls.gov).
Additionally, a computer information systems manager should have excellent communication skills. Clients,
managers and co-workers who don't have technical expertise often ask computer information systems
managers for help with computer problems. They should be able to explain problems and offer solutions in a
way that someone without training could understand.

Education Requirements
Computer information systems managers usually possess a bachelor's degree in a computer-related subject
like management information systems, information science or computer science, though some employers may
prefer managers with educational experience at the graduate level. A bachelor's degree program takes four
years to complete with an additional two years being necessary if a master's degree is pursued. The
coursework for these two programs focuses on subjects like computer engineering, statistics, mathematics,
systems design, database management, systems security and networking.
To recap, computer information systems managers can have a great deal of responsibility within a company
because their job involves overseeing all aspects of the company's computer systems. This requires technical
know-how, management abilities, and good communication skills, which can be gained through a combination
of postsecondary education and progressive industry experience. Job growth should be much faster than
average for this field from 2014-2024.
Responsibilities
As an information systems manager, you'll need to:

 research and install new systems

 implement technology, directing the work of systems and business analysts, developers, support
specialists and other computer-related workers
 evaluate user needs and system functionality, ensuring that IT facilities meet these needs
 plan, develop and implement the IT budget and obtain competitive prices from suppliers to ensure cost
effectiveness
 organise the purchase of hardware and software
 schedule upgrades and security backups of hardware and software systems
 guarantee the smooth running of all IT systems, including anti-virus software, print services and email
provision
 ensure that users adhere to software licensing laws
 provide secure access to the network for remote users
 secure data from internal and external attack
 offer users appropriate support and advice
 manage crisis situations, which may involve complex technical hardware or software problems
 mentor and train new IT support staff
 keep up to date with the latest technologies
 contribute to organisational policy regarding quality standards and strategic planning.

Salary

 Typical salaries range from £40,000 to £65,000, as some prior knowledge and experience is required
for this role.

Salaries are dependent upon location and the type of organisation. It's also possible to work on a freelance
consultancy basis charging on a daily or project rate basis.
Qualifications
Although this area of work is open to all graduates with relevant industry experience, a degree in information
technology or related fields may increase your chances.
The following subjects may also help:

 business management with computer science

 computer science
 information science
  software engineering.

Information systems work is open to diplomates, but a HND in the following subjects may improve your
chances:

 business (information technology)

 computing
 computing (IT systems support).

You don't need a degree or HND if you have substantial relevant experience and IT skills.
If your undergraduate degree isn't in information technology or a related subject, you might choose to take a
postgraduate course in computer science. For further information, search postgraduate courses in computer
science.
Skills
You'll need to demonstrate the following:

 leadership
 co operation and the ability to work as part of a team
 the ability to contribute to and implement organisational strategy
 the capacity to work with people at all levels in an organisation
 the ability to manage a team of individuals, each a specialist in their own area.

Work experience
A range of experience in hardware, operating systems, software and team leadership through appropriate paid
or unpaid work experience will enhance your skills portfolio.
If you have work experience abroad, even if not directly related to IT, global companies may be interested in
you.
You could consider applying for programming jobs and company training programmes as a first career step.
You could also take advantage of networking opportunities offered through membership of a professional body
such as the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT).
Computer Hardware Engineers
Once you're in the role of information systems manager, you'll have a wide variety of career options open to
you.
In a larger organization you may be able to follow a structured career path leading to increased management
and technical responsibility. You could also progress into roles in project management and IT group
management.
In smaller companies there may be less progression potential but greater flexibility to either work across more
aspects of the business or to customize your role in line with your interests. Where progression is limited, you
can usually use the experience you've gained to move on to a different company, perhaps to broaden your
skillset.
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such
as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.

Duties of Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers typically do the following:

 Design new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer equipment to be built

 Test the computer hardware they design
 Analyze the test results and modify the design as needed
 Update existing computer equipment so that it will work with new software
 Oversee the manufacturing process for computer hardware

Many hardware engineers design devices used in manufactured products that incorporate processors and
other computer components and that connect to the Internet. For example, many new cars, home appliances,
and medical devices have Internet-ready computer systems built into them.
Computer hardware engineers ensure that computer hardware components work together with the latest
software. Therefore, hardware engineers often work with software developers. For example, the hardware and
software for mobile phones and other devices frequently are developed at the same time.

Work Environment for Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers hold about 73,600 jobs. The largest employers of computer hardware engineers
were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services 26%

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing 14

Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 12

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 9

Federal government 7
Education for Computer Hardware Engineers

Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, although a
degree in electrical engineering or computer science also is generally acceptable. A computer engineering
major is similar to a major in electrical engineering but with a heavy emphasis on computer science.
Many engineering programs are accredited by ABET. Employers may prefer candidates who have graduated
from an accredited program. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should
have a solid background in math and science.
Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a familiarity with computer
programming is usually expected. This background may be obtained through computer science courses.
Some large firms or specialized jobs may require a master's degree in computer engineering. Some
experienced engineers obtain a master's degree in business administration (MBA). All engineers must
continue their learning over the course of their careers in order to keep up with rapid advances in technology.

Important Qualities for Computer Hardware Engineers

Analytical skills. Computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits
in hardware to determine the best design.
Critical-thinking skills. These engineers use logic and reasoning to clarify goals, examine assumptions, and
identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
Problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware,
develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.
Communication skills. Engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of
engineers, software developers and programmers, as well as with nontechnical team members.

Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries

Calculate

The median annual wage for computer hardware engineers is $115,080. The median wage is the wage at
which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $66,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $172,010.
The median annual wages for computer hardware engineers in the top industries in which they work are as
follows:

Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing $124,220

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 123,050

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing 120,530

Computer systems design and related services 116,840

Federal government 109,770