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The differences between knowledge engineers and staff 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 staff software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a staff software engineer has an average salary of $136,653, 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 staff software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Knowledge Engineer | Staff Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,626 | $136,653 |
| Hourly rate | $40.20 | $65.70 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 254,168 | 371,213 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 Staff Software Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and repairing company software for maximum efficiency and usability. They instruct and mentor their team members in software development techniques and cloud development.
Knowledge engineers and staff software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Knowledge Engineer | Staff Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,626 | $136,653 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $115,000 | Between $100,000 And $186,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a knowledge engineer and a staff software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Knowledge Engineer | Staff Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between knowledge engineers' and staff software engineers' demographics:
| Knowledge Engineer | Staff Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 83.0% Female, 17.0% |
| 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, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 33.5% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |