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The differences between principal software engineers and senior applications engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a principal software engineer, becoming a senior applications engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal software engineer has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $107,989 average annual salary of a senior applications engineer.
The top three skills for a principal software engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a senior applications engineer are java, C++, and database.
| Principal Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $134,230 | $107,989 |
| Hourly rate | $64.53 | $51.92 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 345,893 | 274,466 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Principal software engineers and senior applications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $134,230 | $107,989 |
| Salary range | Between $98,000 And $182,000 | Between $84,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Netflix | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a principal software engineer and a senior applications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between principal software engineers' and senior applications engineers' demographics:
| Principal Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |