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The differences between lead software developers and principal software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a lead software developer and a principal software engineer. Additionally, a principal software engineer has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $115,072 average annual salary of a lead software developer.
The top three skills for a lead software developer include java, architecture and application development. The most important skills for a principal software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Lead Software Developer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $115,072 | $134,230 |
| Hourly rate | $55.32 | $64.53 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 309,029 | 345,893 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
A Principal Software Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of an organization's projects. They diagnose, document, and troubleshoot systems to resolve problems identified through testing, as well as implement strategies to improve integration and efficiency.
Lead software developers and principal software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Software Developer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $115,072 | $134,230 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $151,000 | Between $98,000 And $182,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Retail |
There are a few differences between a lead software developer and a principal software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Software Developer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between lead software developers' and principal software engineers' demographics:
| Lead Software Developer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |