myfuture :: Occupation Information

Computer Engineer
( Computer Systems Engineer, Engineer (Computer) )


	Duties and Tasks Specialisations Quick Facts Personal Requirements Related Industries Labour Market Related Jobs Earnings Related Courses Further Information State Specific Information	Installing a new operating system to ensure full compatibility with new applications
	Computer engineers are involved in the installation, repair and servicing of computers and associated equipment, or peripherals. They may sometimes be described as information technology (IT) hardware technicians, service engineers or computer systems engineers.

Duties and Tasks

Computer engineers may perform the following tasks:

devise and undertake a regular service program, including support of operating systems
analyse problems and develop and implement solutions
provide input on matters associated with site preparation and installation of large computer systems
install cables for computer networks
assist staff in establishing the computer hardware and peripherals required to run IT systems
manage projects and supervise staff (in senior computer engineering roles).

Specialisations

Hardware Design Engineer
Network/Systems Engineer
Software Engineer

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Chemistry Mathematics Physics
Work Demand	Including full use of hands/fingers Including good vision for detail Including mainly indoor work Including reading or writing Including sitting for long periods
Work Field	Computing and Information Services Engineering and Technical
Work Interest	Analytic or Scientific Practical or Mechanical
Skill Level	Professional Jobs

Personal Requirements

able to understand and communicate with a wide variety of people
able to work as part of a team
logical approach to work
self-reliant and able to work independently
active interest in maintaining personal technical skills and knowledge
able to investigate, identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently
enjoy electronics, computers and electro-mechanical equipment
good customer service and public contact skills.

Related Industries

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)
Computer System Design and Related Services

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for IT Hardware/System Engineer

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for IT Hardware/System Engineer (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Australian VolunteerSearch - Computing and IT for ALL AUSTRALIA
Work Opportunities websites

Earnings

Income of persons working full-time, 2006

Computing Professionals
Income per Week	Number	Share (%)

$1000 or more	83,753	77.3
$400 - $599	2,843	2.6
$600 - $799	7,260	6.7
$800 - $999	12,882	11.9
Less than $400	1,662	1.5

This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006

Computing Professionals
Employment Status	Weekly Income ($)

Full-time	1,468
Part-time	734

This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Australian Computer Society

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Maintaining business computer systems