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The differences between bioinformatics software engineers and software development 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 software development engineer. Additionally, a software development engineer has an average salary of $109,147, 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 software development engineer are java, software development, and AWS.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,311 | $109,147 |
| Hourly rate | $47.75 | $52.47 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 237,713 | 356,971 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.
Bioinformatics software engineers and software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,311 | $109,147 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $136,000 | Between $80,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics software engineer and a software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics software engineers' and software development engineers' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 32.7% White, 49.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |