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The differences between bioinformatics software engineers and data engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a bioinformatics software engineer and a data engineer. Additionally, a data engineer has an average salary of $109,675, which is higher than the $99,311 average annual salary of a bioinformatics software engineer.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics software engineer include python, java and next-generation sequencing. The most important skills for a data engineer are python, java, and cloud.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,311 | $109,675 |
| Hourly rate | $47.75 | $52.73 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 237,713 | 303,105 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A bioinformatics software engineer specializes in designing and developing software that facilitates procedures leading to breakthroughs in science. Their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, writing codes, developing prototypes and test structures, identifying and eliminating bugs, troubleshooting problems, performing upgrades, and maintaining records of all procedures. They also establish guidelines and protocols, guiding staff as necessary. Moreover, as a bioinformatics software engineer, it is essential to oversee staff progress while implementing policies and standards for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A data engineer is someone who makes data science possible. This IT job requires the search for data set trends and algorithm development to make raw data more beneficial to the enterprise. Data engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that permits other data functions. The necessary skills for the job include in-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages and SQL database design. Among the other skills data engineers should develop include data warehousing and architecture, data mining and modeling, and statistical regression analysis.
Bioinformatics software engineers and data engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,311 | $109,675 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $136,000 | Between $80,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics software engineer and a data engineer in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics software engineers' and data engineers' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 31.3% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |