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The differences between directors of software development and senior software development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a director of software development, becoming a senior software development engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a director of software development has an average salary of $158,853, which is higher than the $116,926 average annual salary of a senior software development engineer.
The top three skills for a director of software development include java, software development and cloud. The most important skills for a senior software development engineer are java, software development, and python.
| Director Of Software Development | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $158,853 | $116,926 |
| Hourly rate | $76.37 | $56.21 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 136,310 | 346,833 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A director of software development is primarily in charge of overseeing the workflow and the workforce involved in the entire software development process. Their responsibilities also include creating strategies for optimal performance, coordinating with different teams and departments to identify strengths and weaknesses, implementing training and workshop programs, and liaising with external agencies, including key clients. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach new heights.
A senior software development engineer specializes in leading the efforts in designing and developing software and information systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing existing computer systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, testing new designs, and performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of operations, improving them to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, as a senior software development engineer, it is essential to monitor and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Directors of software development and senior software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Software Development | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $158,853 | $116,926 |
| Salary range | Between $110,000 And $228,000 | Between $87,000 And $156,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | eBay | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a director of software development and a senior software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Software Development | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between directors of software development' and senior software development engineers' demographics:
| Director Of Software Development | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 15.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.6% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |