How to become a computer engineer
Official title: Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
Also called: Computer engineer, Hardware engineer, Network test engineer, Radio systems engineer, Hardware design engineer, Network support engineer, Network systems engineer, Computer systems engineer, Computer hardware engineer, Microwave systems engineer, Systems designer - hardware, Telecommunications engineer
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the Internet and other data communications systems. They are employed by computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, by engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, in information technology consulting firms, by governmental, educational and research institutions and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Main tasks
- Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers
- Analyze user requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications
- Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
- Develop and conduct design verification simulations and prototype bench tests of components
- Supervise, inspect and provide design support during the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware
- Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients
- May lead and coordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware
- Network system and data communication engineers
How to become one
Computer engineers require a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics or computer science. A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $102,375 a year The middle half earn $84,377 to $126,750.
- About 32,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 40,200 are projected by 2033. (+23.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a computer engineer?
Computer engineers require a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics or computer science. A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
How much does a computer engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $102,375 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $84,377 to $126,750.
Is a computer engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 24% by 2033, from about 32,500 to about 40,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a computer engineer?
Usually. 74% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03