As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Computer Engineer in the United States is $84,574 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, an Associate Computer Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Associate Computer Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Computer Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Associate Computer Engineer | $83,738 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Computer Engineer | $83,977 |
| Senior Level Associate Computer Engineer | $87,308 |
| Specialist Level Associate Computer Engineer | $92,603 |
| Expert Level Associate Computer Engineer | $92,982 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Computer Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.66% |
| Java | 3.73% |
| Programming Language | 3.42% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Bug Tracking
|
$96,414 |
14%
|
|
Team Development
|
$94,722 |
12%
|
|
Technical Skills
|
$94,722 |
12%
|
|
Calibration
|
$93,877 |
11%
|
|
Python
|
$93,031 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$92,185 |
9%
|
For Associate Computer Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Associate Computer Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Computer Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $99,797 | $48.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,260 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $94,722 | $46.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $93,031 | $45.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $92,185 | $44.0 | 9% |
Understanding how an Associate Computer Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Associate Computer Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,371 in 2023 to around $82,635 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Computer Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,371 |
| 2024 | $83,206 |
| 2025 | $82,635 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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