TRANSMITTAL

From: Freddy Papenleur

Subject: Jobs for Computer Science Graduates
Date: 11/23/2017

The attached report explains the differences between Computer Hardware Engineering and
Software Developing. The incentive of this report is to provide students knowledge on what
jobs to apply for after graduating.
This report analyzes job differences to assist graduates on the pros and cons of each job. It
reveals which states are increasing employment and decreasing. The report details many factors
like working for big companies, cities, and teams. The report also includes detail on the job
outlook, average salary, working environment and required education for each job. It explains
the differences between the two jobs and why one job might be better suiting for you.
I hope to provide clear information and inform students that certain jobs may be more suiting to
them. Please let me know if you have additional questions and concerns at my email,
papenleurf345@dupage.edu
Sincerely,

Freddy Papenleur

Freddy Papenleur
papenleurf345@dupage.edu
(555) 555-5555
COMPUTER SCEINCE JOBS COMPARISON
2017 Jobs Report

Prepared by Freddy Papenleur

College of DuPage Student

Report Distributed December 3, 2017

Prepared for
James Okrasinski, English 1105-010
 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

ABSTRACT
This report explains the difference between a Computer Engineer and a Software Developer.
This report is intended to help those in the computer field looking for jobs after acquiring their
Bachelors degree. Both positions were compared based on education, pay, job outlook, and job
description. It analyzes how both fields require different degrees and job qualities. It also
presents how jobs are increasing wage and employment because of the advancements of
technology. Depending on your personality and ideal working environment one job might be
more suiting for you. It is recommended to choose a position right for you.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT. iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. 1
INTRODCUTION............... 2
SOFTWARE DEVELOPING RESEARCH 3
What they do?....................................................................................................... 3
Working Environment... 4
Education and Skills required 4
Pay. 4
Job Outlook 5
State and Area 6
COMPUTER HARDWARE ENGINEER RESEARCH .. 7
What they do?......................................................................................................... 7
Working Environment ....... 7
Education and Skills required ... 7
Pay. 8
Job Outlook .. 9
State and Area .. 9
CONCLUSION. 10
WORKS CITED. 11

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The problem with our options as students are limited information about careers. Many of our
desired careers are vague and many students have little knowledge on that field. Two fields that
come to mind are Computer Engineering and Computer Software Developer. These two careers
are listed as good careers, but many students will take these careers and not know what jobs to
apply for after graduating. This proposal will explain both jobs and help you decide what is best
for your future.
Computer Engineering: When it comes to the computer market, many of the components that are
sold are created by the engineer. The job outlook in 2016 was at 5% and had an average of
$53.33 per hour and $115,080 per year. Around 4,000 new jobs are projected by 2026 and
around 73,600 jobs are currently right now (Engineers, 2017). It has a high pay rate because it
requires a bachelors degree in computer science and adaptive working conditions. It requires the
employee to understand multiple functions and different software of components. In addition,
many engineers work for well-known companies like Lenovo, HP, Apple and others. The
benefits from these companies are consistent pay, health care, large teams and projects (Learn
2017).
Computer Software Developer: Those that create the games on our phones or provide software
into services are Computer Software Developers. Software developers focus on creating
applications for entertainment, and others develop the systems that run devices or control
networks (Software developers, 2017). The need for software developers is overwhelming and is
a great choice. The job outlook is increasing to about 24% and about 299, 500 new jobs are
projected by 2026. They make on average around $102, 280 per year and $49.17 per hour
(Software developers, 2017). The demand of this job is increasing because new technology gives
customers the ability to use apps for entertainment. The location of these jobs is usually at big
facilities or companies in cities like LA, Chicago, and Seattle. Most jobs are full time and usually
offer them to stay more than the required hours.
Based on these conclusions, both jobs provide stable careers and revenue. In my opinion the
software developer would be a better choice because of the abundance of expected openings. It
urges that developers are going to be needed in the future and allow those studying to have a
much better chance of a job. The Engineer job is less demanding, but pays more. Both require
some sort of a bachelors degree in Computer Science and require some hands-on work
experience. The Computer Engineer job requires hands on work with components and the
developer on coding software. It would be less complicated to be an Engineer than a software
developer, but if reliability is what you are looking for then go with the software developer.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

INTRODUCTION

This report compares the pros and cons between two jobs in the Computer Science field,
Computer Software Developer and Computer Hardware Engineering. The incentive of this report
is to explain what each job does and the optimal job for them.
Computer Research

This section focuses on what they do, work environment, job outlook, annual salary and state
data in 2014, and 2016. It provides information from websites like bureau labor statistics and
career outlook.
Each section is categorized in to subcategories
Working Environment
Education and Skills
Pay
Job Outlook
State and Area

This explains what you should expect when you work for these jobs in terms of working conditions,
required education, annual salaries, job outlook and comparisons to each individual states and
metropolitan area.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

Software Developing Research

What do Software Developers do?
Software Developers typically develop applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a
computer or another advice. Others develop underlying systems that run the devices or that
control networks (Bureau 2017). Software developers analyze users needs and design, test and
develop software to meet those needs. They typically recommend software upgrades to
customers and create diagrams to assist programmers the software code needed for the
application. They ensure the program functions normally and collaborate with other computer
specialists to create optimum software. Software Developers design programs then give
instructions to programmers, who then writes the code and test it (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Software Developers diagram in 2017.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

Working Environment
Software Developers typically work full time and work for teams. They contribute to designing,
developing and programming successful software. Others work at home. Many developers work
for companies that deal with computer systems designs and services like manufacturing or
software publishers. Examples of these are Toshiba and Microsoft. They mainly work in front of
computers for long periods of time and in companies/distributers.
Education and Skills
It requires a bachelors degree in any of the listed fields; computer science, software engineering,
or a related field. Computer science degree programs are the most common because it covers a
variety of topics. Student should take related courses to better prepare themselves to the working
environment. Students can gain experience taking courses that allow internships to be completed.
Many of these positions require a masters degree and prior work experience.
A developer needs to analyze user needs and design software that meet those needs. It also
requires them to give clear instructions to others working on the project. They must also explain
to their customer how the software works and answer any questions that arise. Developers need
creative minds to implement new and efficient techniques. Finally, they must be able to work
with others and lead software teams to solve problems programmers are having.
Pay
They median annual wage for software developers that run applications as $110,080 in May
2016 (Bureau 2017). The lowest 10% earned less than $60,000 and the highest earned more than
$150,000.
The median annual wage for software developers that run systems software was $108,860. They
lowest earned less than $65,000 and the highest 10% earned more than 160,000 (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Median Annual Wages, May 2016.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

Job Outlook
Employment for software developing is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 may to 2026,
much faster than average for all occupations. Employment for application developers are
projected to 30 percent and the employment of system developers is projected at 11 percent (see
Figure 3).

Figure 3. Software Developers Employment Change

One of the main reason for the growth in both applications developers and system developers is
because the large increase in demand for computer software. The demand for new applications
for smart phones and tablets will help increase the demand for applications software developers.
As the number of people who use digital platform services grow, the number of software
developers will increase too. Security and electronic infrastructure have been on the rise today,
and developers are needed in the future (see Figure 4).

Figure 4. Employment Change in Software Developers in 2016 to 2026.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

State and Area

Software Developers Applications: As new jobs come available there will be better locations in
terms of pay, benefits and hours (see Figure 5). In states like Washington, the average annual
wage is $129,440 (Bureau 2017). While the lowest being in Wyoming at $68,730 (Bureau 2017).
Developers are needed for the future and as a result will lead to an increase to employment.

Figure 5. Annual Wage for Software Applications 2016

Software Developer in Systems: In May 2016, employment was 409, 820 and a 2%
unemployment rate (U.S. News 2017). These developers make around $110,590 and the low
being $64,650, and the high being $163,220. The estimated wage increase is around 0.7% and
jobs are needed in States with a lot of Computer manufacturers, distributers and programmers
(Bureau 2017). Many of the highest paying jobs are in bigger cities or metropolitan areas like,
Oakland, CA and Seattle, Washington.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

Computer Hardware Engineering Research

What do they do?
A Computer Engineer researches, design and test computer systems and components to ensure
the hardware is working properly. The technology we see today like phones, T.V.s, and
computers are usually created by the engineer. In addition, they also design new computer
hardware, analyze designs if needed and update existing computer equipment. An engineer
works on designs in manufactures that sell computer parts or components that connect to the
Internet. Computer engineers ensure that computer hardware components work together with
software and typically work with teams of software developers.
Working Environment
Computer hardware engineers held about 73,600 jobs in 2016. Many of the jobs are limited
because of the safety precautions. Many engineers work full time in computer labs that require
engineers to wear gloves, anti-static wrist wraps, and safety googles. They typically work for
high-tech manufactures and industries. Many of them work for the federal government and
others work for scientific research (see Figure 6).

Figure 6. Percentage of where Engineers work

Education and Skills

Entry level positions require a bachelors degree in computer engineering and program
experience with computer science. Many engineers obtain a masters degree in business and
electrical engineering. Internships are idea because they give practical work experience before
starting new jobs. Some computer engineers can advance to become a computer and informative
systems manager, which pays $135,800 annually (Bureau 2016).
Important qualities to have as a engineer would be analytical skills or the ability to program
digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design. An engineer would need critical
thinking skills such as reasoning to clarify goals, examine issues and identify solutions. They
also identify problems with solutions to programmers, technicians and developers. In addition,
they need to be proficient in communication skills in business and lead teams.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

Pay
Median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $115,080 in May 2016 (Bureau
2016). The lowest 10 percent earned was less than $70,000 and the highest 10 percent was more
than $172,000. Majority of the top end companies pay more than $120,000 for component
manufacturing and equipment manufacturing (see Figure 7).

Figure 7. Engineer comparison to other occupations

Others will work for computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing, research and
development in the physical engineering and life sciences. Some will work in computer systems
design and the government (see Figure 8).

Figure 8. Annual wage in different Engineers in 2014

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

Job Outlook
Employment in computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026,
about as average to other occupations (Bureau 2016). The limited amount of jobs results because
of the demands in computer software (see Figure 9). If new companies create their own
electronic devices, the number of engineer will increase exponentially. Computer hardware
engineers should be less affected than production occupations because they are less likely to
outsource their type of work. An increase in hardware to places like hospitals, schools,
government, and facilities will be needed and will create more jobs for hardware engineers.

Figure 9. Employment Change in Computer Hardware Engineers 2016-2026.

State and Area

Location for computer hardware engineers can drastically change a students idea. Many
engineers work for manufactures and therefore place like California is the ideal place to work in
(see Figure 10). Computer companies tend to be in California because it is much more accessible
to reach Asian countries who create most computer components in the world.

Figure 10. Employment in Metropolitan areas in the U.S. in 2016.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATION

The computer science field covers most computer jobs today in 2017. It would be ideal for
someone to go for a bachelors degree in computer science because it covers most of the
computer topics. The benefits of this would give you knowledge on certain topics like
programming and knowledge on hardware. Another benefit to this would allow yourself as a
person to get more opportunities to jobs. If a certain job interest you and requires you more
experience, you would be able to finish that with a year or two with a computer science degree.

In the Software Developer field requires a Bachelors degree in some sort of programming or
computer science. This job has an overwhelming number of expected openings because of new
technology and better security infrastructure. As more investors put money into stopping security
breaches, programmers or developers will be needed. If reliability and close facilities are what
you are looking for then software developer is the job for you.

In the Computer Hardware Engineering field, a bachelors in computer science or electrical

engineering is required. This job has many benefits like working for a big facilities or companies
like Toshiba, Asus, Gigabyte, LG, and others. The job outlook isnt as strong as the developer,
but if working in big teams and creating new technology is something you would enjoy, I would
recommend this to you.

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 Computer Science Jobs Comparison-2017

References
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017, November 01). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Computer
Hardware Engineers. Retrieved from:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-
engineers.htm

Carreer Profiles (2017) Computer s Software Engineers. Retrieved from

http://www.careerprofiles.info/computer-software-engineer-career.html

Learn to Become (2017) What does A Computer Engineer Do? Retrieved from
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-engineer/

Smartdraw (2017) Software Development Swim Lane Diagram. Retrieved from

https://www.smartdraw.com/swim-lane-diagram/examples/software-development-swim-
lane-diagram/

U.S. News (2017) Software Developer. Retrieved from

https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/software-developer

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