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The differences between bioinformatics software engineers and senior software 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 senior software engineer. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, 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 senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,311 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $47.75 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 237,713 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Bioinformatics software engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,311 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $136,000 | Between $86,000 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 | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Retail |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics software engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics software engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |