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The differences between principal software engineers and software systems 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 principal software engineer and a software systems engineer. Additionally, a principal software engineer has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $107,102 average annual salary of a software systems engineer.
The top three skills for a principal software engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Principal Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $134,230 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $64.53 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 345,893 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Principal software engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $134,230 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $98,000 And $182,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a principal software engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between principal software engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Principal Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |