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The differences between data engineers and senior systems software 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 data engineer and a senior systems software engineer. Additionally, a senior systems software engineer has an average salary of $122,275, which is higher than the $109,675 average annual salary of a data engineer.
The top three skills for a data engineer include python, java and cloud. The most important skills for a senior systems software engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Data Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,675 | $122,275 |
| Hourly rate | $52.73 | $58.79 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 303,105 | 359,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A data engineer is someone who makes data science possible. This IT job requires the search for data set trends and algorithm development to make raw data more beneficial to the enterprise. Data engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that permits other data functions. The necessary skills for the job include in-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages and SQL database design. Among the other skills data engineers should develop include data warehousing and architecture, data mining and modeling, and statistical regression analysis.
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Data engineers and senior systems software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,675 | $122,275 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $149,000 | Between $91,000 And $163,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a data engineer and a senior systems software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Data Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between data engineers' and senior systems software engineers' demographics:
| Data Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% | Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.1% White, 52.7% 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% |