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The differences between advanced systems engineers and senior software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an advanced systems engineer, becoming a senior software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, which is higher than the $109,257 average annual salary of an advanced systems engineer.
The top three skills for an advanced systems engineer include DOD, C++ and management system. The most important skills for a senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,257 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $52.53 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 220,210 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An advanced systems engineer develops and upgrades a company's systems, whether those are systems the company uses internally or provides for clients externally. A systems engineer monitors and evaluates applications, software, and productivity systems. Their goal is to continually improve all programs that a company uses. Working alongside the IT department, they monitor feedback, provide suggestions and recommendations, and order upgrades when necessary.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Advanced systems engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,257 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $84,000 And $140,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Warner Bros. | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Retail |
There are a few differences between an advanced systems engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between advanced systems engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.9% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |