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The differences between data process specialists and 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 data process specialist, becoming a software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $48,604 average annual salary of a data process specialist.
The top three skills for a data process specialist include data entry, data management and data accuracy. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Data Process Specialist | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $48,604 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $23.37 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 147,321 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A data processing specialist is a data entry professional who specializes in collecting, interpreting, and organizing data according to company standards and policies. They usually work on spreadsheets, documents, databases, and presentations to arrange and convey data in an easy-to-understand format, all while adhering to deadlines. They may also conduct their own reviews and assessments to identify inconsistencies and errors, performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, a data processing specialist must maintain an open and transparent communication line with managers and co-workers for an efficient workflow.
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Data process specialists and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Process Specialist | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $48,604 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $78,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | CAMRIS International, Inc. | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Government | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a data process specialist and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Data Process Specialist | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between data process specialists' and software engineers' demographics:
| Data Process Specialist | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.6% Female, 63.4% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |