Do Computer Engineers make money?

[Nikster]

I am working on my BS in Comp Engg at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN............how much do you think I can make when I graduate?

I should be out by 2003................anyone with experience in the industry?

If a MS worth the effort? I am not sure will I take up MS or MBA after working for a while? or just goto grad school right after undergrad.

Frankly am doing this becuase I love it, but have to think about money also

Thanks

 

[Heifetz]

For most hardware degrees, its always a good idea to go to grad school and get a MS. It shouldn't take long either, probably 2 years max. Some schools even have a joint BS, MS program, so you get both in 5 years. I would think that a MS would help A LOT for the job search process. If you're thinking about getting a MBA, that will have to wait until you work for 2 - 3 years. And it depends on which MBA school you want to get into, the top tier MBA schools are very competitive.

Heifetz

 

[weeber]

Hey Nikester, I'm at Purdue too, and in my experience anything with 'Engineering' at the end will put you in high demand and you'll make plenty of money. I can't quote you any exact figures since I'm in ChE but since I'm graduating next semester I can tell you that so far all Engineers have been having a wonderful time in this job market. That could change in 3 years, but personally I don't think so.

As for further education, I believe most MBA programs like to see work experience first (plus alot of companies will pay for your MBA). But if there's something you feel like you want to specialize in, then getting a Masters in that field could be a good idea. Personally, I'm getting a BS in ChE this Spring, but I'm going on to grad school to get a Masters in Environmental Engineering too, since that seems to be where my interests lie.

Also, if it's not too late, or if you're not already in one, look for a internship or co-op, they make a world of difference, and I can't recommend them enough.

Good luck in your studies.

 

[duragezic]

We are doing some career stuff in English class and I was going to choose computer engineer or computer programmer. I chose programmer but I did check out some engineer stuff and it said $42000 to $83000 I think. The average was the high 50 thousands too.

It was in a program called CHOICES. It had all the stuff about degrees and the like too. Too bad I didn't print that one out...

 

[mosdef]

weeber - You're lucky. I read somewhere that Chemical Engineers have a higher starting salary than any other degree.

-mosdef

 

No silly, they make computers.

 

[poop]

At the school I go to, jobs are extremely easy to find. The avg starting salary for an M.Eng. degree in my degree (CECS Comp E/Comp Sci) is around $48,000. There is also a 99% job placement. The top job was ridiculous (like $80-$100k), but the low job wasn't too bad (mid $30's)

From my limited work experience, anything with Eng in the name gets you more money. It is because of the extra classes you have to take. You are required to be a bit more analytical than a pure CS.

For instance, I have a bit less in pure programming classes, but took a TON of math, statics, and thermo. These extra classes look good to employers, since it shows you can do more than just code in a high-level language.

 

[SuperTool]

CE's make lots of money. Not as much as maybe business majors, but then again, CE's don't work 80 hr weeks.
If you have descent GPA, you can easily make at least 55 grand with a bachelors (65 in Silicon Valley). Add bonuses to that, and you stand to make about 70 grand your first year. The turnover rate is high, so it's easy to move up. The pay ramps up pretty quick as you get more experience.
Check out Jobtrak Salary Wizard to find out what people get paid.
CE's are most well rounded engineers in the electronics field. A good CE can go after CS jobs, EE jobs, CE jobs. Basically people assume that if you can handle CE, you can handle any technical field.
It's a lot of work to get a degree though.
read this thread

 

[The Wildcard]

hah trust me dood, if you follow through and actually get your degree, i am sure you will be making some phat bank...

 

[DanC]

Back it up with 'real world experience' -
I've run into educated folks that couldn't format a floppy disk.
This is an industry where in general education isn't nearly as important as experience.
Start with an internship if necessary.
It will give you industry contacts and establish your credibility.

From there it's uphill, but rather sweet.