Computer Engineering Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computer Engineering Technologies programs focus on the integration of hardware and software systems to design, develop, and maintain advanced computing solutions. Students gain hands-on expertise in building intelligent systems that bridge digital logic, embedded devices, and real-time computing environments.
- Embedded Systems Design: Focuses on creating specialized computing systems embedded within larger devices, emphasizing real-time performance, low power consumption, and reliable operation in constrained environments.
- Digital Logic and Circuit Design: Covers the foundational principles of binary systems, logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits, and their implementation in hardware using programmable logic devices.
- Microcontroller and Microprocessor Architecture: Explores the internal structure, instruction sets, and operational behavior of microcontrollers and processors used in modern electronic systems.
- Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Introduces the concepts and implementation of operating systems tailored for time-critical applications, ensuring predictable response times and efficient task scheduling.
- Hardware-Software Integration: Emphasizes the seamless coordination between physical components and software code, enabling efficient system performance and robust functionality in complex technological environments.
- Computer Networking and Communication Protocols: Addresses the principles of data transmission, network topologies, and protocols used in embedded and distributed computing systems.
- Signal Processing for Embedded Applications: Applies mathematical and computational techniques to analyze, modify, and interpret signals in real-world systems such as sensors, audio devices, and control systems.
Computer Engineering Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computer Engineering Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computer Engineering Technologies degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Computer Engineering Technologies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 64,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computer Engineering Technologies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Computer Engineering Technologies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computer Engineering Technologies is found at Full Sail University (421 graduates), Wichita State University (WSU) (22 graduates), Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) (20 graduates), Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) (14 graduates), and Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR), Bayamon (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 492 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Full Sail University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
421 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
22 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Klamath Falls, Oregon | Public | oit.edu |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | bayamon.inter.edu |
Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Charleston, Illinois | Public | eiu.edu |
Boston University (BU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computer Engineering Technologies programs
How much can I earn with a Computer Engineering Technologies degree?
Salaries for Computer Engineering Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 64,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computer Engineering Technologies programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Computer Engineering Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Full Sail University (421 graduates), Wichita State University (WSU) (22 graduates), and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) (20 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Computer Engineering Technologies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 57 in 2010 to 492 in 2023-24. This represents a 763% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Computer Engineering Technologies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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