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The differences between directors of software development and software engineering managers 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 software engineering manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a director of software development has an average salary of $158,853, which is higher than the $140,929 average annual salary of a software engineering manager.
The top three skills for a director of software development include java, software development and cloud. The most important skills for a software engineering manager are java, software development, and software engineering.
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $158,853 | $140,929 |
| Hourly rate | $76.37 | $67.75 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 136,310 | 262,296 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 software engineering manager oversees the team involved in computer and software development. Typically, it is their responsibility to design and create software applications in collaboration with fellow skilled engineers in the group. Their duties revolve around devising strategies and designs, producing progress reports, monitoring the documentation processes, preparing presentations, and assessing workforce performance. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to meet goals and standards while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Directors of software development and software engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $158,853 | $140,929 |
| Salary range | Between $110,000 And $228,000 | Between $100,000 And $198,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | eBay | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a director of software development and a software engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 software engineering managers' demographics:
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% |
| 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, 30.0% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |