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The differences between computer hardware developers and computer software engineers 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 hardware developer, becoming a computer software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer software engineer has an average salary of $102,511, which is higher than the $99,546 average annual salary of a computer hardware developer.
The top three skills for a computer hardware developer include firmware, hardware development and python. The most important skills for a computer software engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Computer Hardware Developer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,546 | $102,511 |
| Hourly rate | $47.86 | $49.28 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 116,915 | 326,143 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Computer hardware developers handle the physical aspect of computers. The developers research, design, and manufacture test computer systems and components. They make sure that they function to their full capacity with the software they are being used with. Their duties include designing new computer hardware, manufacturing computer equipment schematics, analyzing the test results, and modifying the design of the new hardware as needed. They update the already existing computer equipment so it works with new software and oversee every step of the manufacturing process.
A computer software engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer systems and software using their knowledge of computer programming languages, engineering principles, and computer operating systems. As a computer software engineer, your duties will vary depending on your specialization but typically include reviewing and analyzing the client's needs and requirements, designing, developing, and testing the software application to ensure those needs are met, and creating algorithms to instruct the computer what to do. You are also expected to provide software upgrades recommendations for existing applications or systems.
Computer hardware developers and computer software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Hardware Developer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,546 | $102,511 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $133,000 | Between $77,000 And $134,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer hardware developer and a computer software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Hardware Developer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer hardware developers' and computer software engineers' demographics:
| Computer Hardware Developer | Computer Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |