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The differences between knowledge engineers and senior software development 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 knowledge engineer, becoming a senior software development engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior software development engineer has an average salary of $116,926, which is higher than the $83,626 average annual salary of a knowledge engineer.
The top three skills for a knowledge engineer include python, sharepoint and javascript. The most important skills for a senior software development engineer are java, software development, and python.
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,626 | $116,926 |
| Hourly rate | $40.20 | $56.21 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 254,168 | 346,833 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A Knowledge Engineer specializes in designing and developing computer systems that facilitate human knowledge and thought processes. Their responsibilities often revolve around understanding the client or the company's needs, conducting extensive research and analysis, conceptualizing plans, coordinating with fellow experts, building prototypes and test structures, troubleshooting problems, and developing solutions against problem areas. Knowledge Engineers manage staff and oversee their performance, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
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.
Knowledge engineers and senior software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,626 | $116,926 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $115,000 | Between $87,000 And $156,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a knowledge engineer and a senior software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between knowledge engineers' and senior software development engineers' demographics:
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 13.9% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 5% | 8% |