Computer jobs can be broadly classified into hardware and software careers.
What is the Difference?
Computer
Computer hardware professionals or engineers design and develop computer equipments and peripherals. They test these equipments and solve complex problems in computer hardware.
Computer Software Engineers also known as computer programmers write codes and create programs. They write programs in computer languages like Java and C++. They translate program design into instructions.
Both jobs are equally rewarding and one can choose between the two depending on his/her interest in that field.
Work Environments
Work environment and nature of both jobs is completely different. Hardware engineers work in laboratories and manufacturing firms where they develop and assemble computer parts and equipments; whereas software engineers work in office setup. Most of them work in done on their computers.
Both type of jobs demand working for long hours however software jobs are relatively less stressful when compared to hardware. There were around 363100 programmer jobs as against only 70000 hardware jobs in 2010 in the US.
Academic Requirements
A bachelor's degree is mandatory for all computer jobs. Experience and quality of projects handled provided an upper edge to computer professionals in any industry. Experienced engineers are preferred for more complex and critical projects.
The Demand for Tech Professionals
Employment of computer engineers is expected to grow by 12 percent from 2010 to 2012 whereas IT job employment is expected to grow by 18 percent.
Demand for software professionals will rise as a result of increasing demand for new software. The challenge will be to provide software over internet at lower price. Mobile companies and the healthcare industry also places high demands for development of new software. There will be increasing demand for hardware engineers in consulting firms. Manufacturers outsource their requirements which results in to more business for consulting firms.
As a result of rise in demand for both software and hardware, there is a probability that programmers will have to work closely with hardware engineers to develop new products and software.
Following was the annual average salary earned by computer professionals in year 2012:
Hardware Engineers
0,920
Software Engineers
,280
Top five states providing highest level of employment of computer jobs in United States are California, Texas, Illinois, New York and Florida.
California has the highest level employment in Computer Jobs. Both hardware and software professionals find ample amount of computer jobs in California.
California has become a computer hub as many top notch computer and software companies are stationed here. Jobs in California are very rewarding as it is one of the highest paying states for computer engineers.
Computer system and design service industry has the highest level of employment and is also among the top paying industries for computer jobs . Other industries providing opportunities for software engineers and programmers are data processing and hosting industry, software publishers, Information Services and Banks. Hardware jobs are available in plenty in Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing Industry, Instrument Manufacturing, Scientific research and development service industry.
Computer Professionals have a bright future in the United States as more and more companies are making huge investments in computer software and peripherals.
Personal computer Careers That the US Current market Delivers