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The differences between computer engineers and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer engineer, becoming a software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a computer engineer include python, software development and java. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Computer Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,805 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $46.54 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 126,709 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
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.
Computer engineers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $96,805 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $132,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Waymo | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer engineer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer engineers' and software developers' demographics:
| Computer Engineer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 11% | 8% |