by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 170 U.S. colleges awarded 3,396 degrees and certificates in Computer Engineering Technology. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 41% of graduates. College Factual ranks 64 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Engineering Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $39,351 one year after completing, rising to $57,114 after four years.
Technology 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, computer engineering technology draws strong interest, with 3,396 degrees awarded annually. 170 colleges award computer engineering technology degrees, an average of 20 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 649.
By level, the 3,396 awards include 141 certificates, 1,377 associate degrees, 870 bachelor’s degrees, 925 master’s degrees and 2 doctorates.
Women earned 20% of computer engineering technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (693 of 3,396). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,484) and Hispanic or Latino (615), and international students earned 81.
College Factual ranks 64 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Engineering Technology Schools ranking, including 29 for associate degrees and 19 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks computer engineering technology schools within 19 states. In all, 170 colleges offer computer engineering technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Engineering Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer engineering technology credential is the associate degree: 1,377 of the 3,396 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer engineering technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, Engineering and Technology and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Problem Sensitivity, Written Comprehension and Near Vision.
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.
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How long a computer engineering technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 141 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,377 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 870 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 925 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer engineering technology, at 31.5%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
7 occupations are related to Computer Engineering Technology, with an average median salary of $87,728; the strongest outlook belongs to Software Developers, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Beta Tester and Strain Technician (Strain Tech).
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.
The occupation related to computer engineering technology with the most projected jobs is Computer Programmers, at 666,800.
| 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% |
Computer Engineering Technology graduates earn a median $39,351 one year after completing their program, $57,114 after four years and $62,129 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,351 |
| 4 years | $57,114 |
| 5 years | $62,129 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer engineering technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| 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 |
Computer Engineering Technology includes 5 concentrations that together award 3,396 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician (1,213), Computer Engineering Technology/Technician (959) and Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (719). It has 18 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 95,651 degrees a year; the largest are Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians (13,228), Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (12,892) and Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (12,771). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
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