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The differences between device engineers and software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a device engineer, 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 $97,458 average annual salary of a device engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Device Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A device engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical devices and equipment in adherence to industry or client needs. They may work for companies that produce medical, construction, or even manufacturing devices. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place of employment, they typically include conducting research and analysis, creating prototypes and test structures, coordinating with staff and fellow engineers, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a device engineer participates in developing and promoting safety standards and regulations for the products and the workplace.
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.
Device engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 6% | 8% |