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The differences between advanced systems engineers and 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 software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an advanced systems engineer has an average salary of $109,257, which is higher than the $100,260 average annual salary of a software engineer.
The top three skills for an advanced systems engineer include DOD, C++ and management system. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,257 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $52.53 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 220,210 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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.
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Advanced systems engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,257 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $84,000 And $140,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Warner Bros. | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an advanced systems engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between advanced systems engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |