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The differences between applications support engineers and senior applications 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 a senior applications engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior applications engineer has an average salary of $107,989, 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 a senior applications engineer are java, C++, and database.
| Applications Support Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,928 | $107,989 |
| Hourly rate | $43.23 | $51.92 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 222,780 | 274,466 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Applications support engineers and senior applications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Support Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,928 | $107,989 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $120,000 | Between $84,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | ICE Mortgage Technology | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Insurance |
There are a few differences between an applications support engineer and a senior applications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Applications Support Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications support engineers' and senior applications engineers' demographics:
| Applications Support Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.8% Female, 19.2% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |