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The differences between bioinformatics software engineers and 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 software developer. Additionally, a bioinformatics software engineer has an average salary of $99,311, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics software engineer include python, java and next-generation sequencing. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,311 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $47.75 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 237,713 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Bioinformatics software engineers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $99,311 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $136,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| 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 | Finance |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics software engineer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics software engineers' and software developers' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |