Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Career, Salary and Skills
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $116,580 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 435,370. Wage data is published for 396 locations.
Occupation description
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
O*NET code
15-1299.08
Job zone
3
Typical education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$116,580
Hourly median
$56.05
Employment
435,370
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Active Listening | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Writing | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.88 | 4.12 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Speaking | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.75 | 4.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Active Learning | 3.62 | 4.12 |
Typical tasks
- Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
- Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
- Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
- Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
- Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
- Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
Technology
- Human resource management software HRMS
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- IBM AIX
- 3M Post-it App
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe ActionScript
- Adobe AIR
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Flex
- Adobe FrameMaker
- Adobe Photoshop
- Advanced business application programming ABAP
- AJAX
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in CAMedian $134,440 · Employment 80,150
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in TXMedian $111,530 · Employment 57,020
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in GAMedian $104,610 · Employment 20,630
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $109,700 · Employment 20,060
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $127,360 · Employment 19,540
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in MDMedian $144,680 · Employment 19,060
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in DCMedian $156,590 · Employment 17,200
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in VAMedian $139,030 · Employment 17,000
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in San Francisco, CAMedian $161,700 · Employment 16,930
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in San Jose, CAMedian $184,430 · Employment 16,680
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in New York, NYMedian $126,910 · Employment 16,230
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects Salary in NCMedian $104,850 · Employment 15,090
Related careers
- Project Management SpecialistsNational median $102,320
- Penetration TestersNational median $116,580
- Data Warehousing SpecialistsNational median $139,500
- Information Security AnalystsNational median $129,180
- Web and Digital Interface DesignersNational median $104,000
- Telecommunications Engineering SpecialistsNational median $134,050
- Computer User Support SpecialistsNational median $61,860
- Computer and Information Systems ManagersNational median $175,140
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.