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The differences between directors of software development and software engineering specialists 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 specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a director of software development has an average salary of $158,853, which is higher than the $104,819 average annual salary of a software engineering specialist.
The top three skills for a director of software development include java, software development and cloud. The most important skills for a software engineering specialist are java, software development, and python.
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $158,853 | $104,819 |
| Hourly rate | $76.37 | $50.39 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 136,310 | 260,865 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 specialist designs and develops software engineering components. Moreover, they evaluate technical architecture and framework. They conduct tests on software and carry out any updates that are needed. Strong teamwork and communication skills are necessary for this position.
Directors of software development and software engineering specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Specialist | |
| Average salary | $158,853 | $104,819 |
| Salary range | Between $110,000 And $228,000 | Between $82,000 And $133,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | eBay | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a director of software development and a software engineering specialist in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 specialists' demographics:
| Director Of Software Development | Software Engineering Specialist | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |