Computer Engineering is a career function with tasks to design, develop, and implement computer hardware and software systems. Computer engineers work in professions such as software development, embedded systems, cybersecurity, AI, cloud computing, IoT, and VLSI design. Computer engineers can also be employed as Software Engineers, Systems Architects, Network Engineers, Hardware Designers, Data Scientists, etc. Computer engineers are needed for positions in industries such as IT services, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, telecom, automotive, and government organizations.
Computer engineering salary is based on factors such as experience, location, industry, company role, and educational qualification. Freshers typically get between INR 4 and INR 8 LPA, and students from premier institutions such as IITs or NITs will get more attractive offers. With increasing experience, professionals can negotiate for better salaries. Mid-career engineers receive between INR 10 to 20 LPA, and top professionals and specialists can earn more than INR 25 to 50 LPA in India or even more abroad.
Table of Contents
- Computer Engineering Salary after Experience
- Computer Engineering Salary after Different Level of Study
- Computer Engineering Salary as per Designation
- Computer Engineering Salary in Top Cities
- Computer Engineering Salary in Abroad Countries
- Skills Acquired after Computer Engineering
- Computer Engineering Salary FAQs
Computer Engineering Salary after Experience
Computer Engineering salary will grow as the individual continues to grow their experience. The table below highlights some job roles in the field of computer engineering with, experience levels, and average annual salaries.
Computer Engineering Salary after Different Level of Study
The level of education in computer engineering also makes a huge difference in salary prospects and job roles. Those with a master's degree and extra certifications may have a better package than those with just a graduate degree. The table below shows the salary difference with an M.Tech Computer Engineering and certifications.
Computer Engineering Salary as per Designation
The salary differs based on the roles. The managerial or leadership roles in the company hierarchy will have higher pay than a normal engineering role. The table below showcases average salaries based on job titles and experience levels across the industry.
Computer Engineering Salary in Some Top Cities
Salaries for computer engineering graduates may vary depending on the location. The demand, industry presence, and cost of living typically influence the salary packages offered by the firms. The following table shows average salaries for some of the computer engineering positions in major tech cities in India.
Computer Engineering Salary in Abroad Countries
Computer engineers have excellent compensation opportunities abroad, with salary scales even better in a few instances than they are in India, especially in technologically based economies. The below table provides average international compensation by job category and years of experience.
Skills Acquired after Computer Engineering
Computer engineering provides professionals with some of the required skill set in software development, system design, and emerging technologies. The following is the list of some of those skills:
- Programming Language Skills (Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript)
- System Design and Architecture Skills
- Problem-Solving and Algorithms
- Networking and Security
- Project Management
- AI and Machine Learning
- Cloud and DevOps
Computer Engineering Salary FAQs
What is the average salary of a computer engineer in India?
The minimum package for a computer engineer in India is INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA at the entry level. After gaining 5–10 years of experience, the professionals can earn between INR 15–30 LPA, and senior-level engineers can expect to receive more than INR 40 LPA.
Which field in computer engineering provides the best compensation?
Specializations like machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity are the highest-paying computer engineering specializations. For instance, AI Engineers and Cloud Architects with experience between 5–10 years can earn a salary of INR 20–40 LPA or more, especially in leading tech cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Are M.Tech or MS graduates in Computer Engineering paid higher salaries?
Yes, postgraduate degree recipients like M.Tech or MS in Computer Science or specializations related to it typically earn more as a starting salary. Employers are more willing to pay for advanced expertise and research-driven problem-solving abilities, especially in positions like R&D, AI, or data engineering.
What is the salary of computer engineers in the USA?
In the US, the starting salary of a computer engineer is approximately between USD 75,000 and USD 100,000 (approx. INR 60–80 LPA). As experience and expertise increase, the salary can exceed USD 150,000 per annum (INR 1.2 Cr+), especially in areas such as Silicon Valley, Seattle, or New York.
Is computer engineering a right career in India?
Yes, computer engineering is one of the most desirable and lucrative fields of work in India. With India's booming IT and technology culture, working professionals have diverse career opportunities, high pay packages, flexible work options at home, and global career development options.
