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The differences between configuration engineers and software systems 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 configuration engineer and a software systems engineer. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, which is higher than the $101,024 average annual salary of a configuration engineer.
The top three skills for a configuration engineer include python, unix and java. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Configuration Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,024 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $48.57 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 202,945 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Configuration Engineer specializes in designing and developing computer systems and products. Among their responsibilities include understanding the company's needs, performing extensive research and analysis, coordinating with fellow engineers and experts, developing blueprints and prototypes, and creating test structures to be the basis for improvement. They may gather and analyze data from existing projects to identify their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, as a configuration engineer, it is essential to monitor the progress of staff, all while implementing safety policies and standards.
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Configuration engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Configuration Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,024 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $132,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | PayPal | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a configuration engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Configuration Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between configuration engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Configuration Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |