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The differences between applications support engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an applications support engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $89,928 average annual salary of an applications support engineer.
The top three skills for an applications support engineer include java, application support and database. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Applications Support Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,928 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $43.23 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 222,780 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An applications support engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the application and network systems to support business operations and functions. Applications support engineers work on the installation of updates, upgrade system infrastructure, and resolve technical process issues and gaps. They also analyze the condition of existing applications and modify procedures to improve stability and configuration. An applications support engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills to identify failure sources and create resolution manuals to prevent downtime reoccurrence.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Applications support engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Support Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,928 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $120,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | ICE Mortgage Technology | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an applications support engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Applications Support Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between applications support engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Applications Support Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.8% Female, 19.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |