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The differences between advanced systems engineers and systems programmers 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 systems programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an advanced systems engineer has an average salary of $109,257, which is higher than the $96,017 average annual salary of a systems programmer.
The top three skills for an advanced systems engineer include DOD, C++ and management system. The most important skills for a systems programmer are provide technical assistance, video conferencing, and C++.
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Systems Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,257 | $96,017 |
| Hourly rate | $52.53 | $46.16 |
| Growth rate | 5% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 220,210 | 257,681 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
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 systems programmer is responsible for managing and installing software systems and applications to the company's computer networks to support the efficiency of business functions and operations. Systems programmers coordinate with the systems analyst to conduct quality checks and running configuration tests to ensure the stability of applications and avoid downtimes. They also create resolution reports, design servers, and upgrade network infrastructure as often as needed. A systems programmer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially the expert command of programming languages and codes.
Advanced systems engineers and systems programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average salary | $109,257 | $96,017 |
| Salary range | Between $84,000 And $140,000 | Between $66,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Warner Bros. | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between an advanced systems engineer and a systems programmer in terms of educational background:
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Systems Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems programmers' demographics:
| Advanced Systems Engineer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| 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, 5.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |