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The differences between knowledge engineers and senior software 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 engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, 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 engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,626 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $40.20 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 254,168 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| 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.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Knowledge engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,626 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $115,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a knowledge engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software 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 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between knowledge engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Knowledge Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |