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The differences between information systems engineers and software systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an information systems engineer, becoming a software systems engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, which is higher than the $104,903 average annual salary of an information systems engineer.
The top three skills for an information systems engineer include system security, NIST and RMF. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Information Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,903 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 248,183 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An information systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating network systems and databases to process information that would support business functions and operations. Information systems engineers maintain the stability and navigation of networks to ensure their security and prevent unauthorized access and illegal data dissemination. They may also modify the features and improve the infrastructure of the existing database for optimization. An information systems engineer must have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages to write codes and test controls.
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Information systems engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,903 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $139,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Safeway | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an information systems engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Information Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between information systems engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Information Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 12.4% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |