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The differences between bioinformatics software engineers and lead software developers 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 lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, 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 lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,311 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $47.75 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 237,713 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Bioinformatics software engineers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $99,311 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $136,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics software engineer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics software engineers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |