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The differences between programmers and software design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a programmer, becoming a software design engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software design engineer has an average salary of $98,799, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a programmer include java, javascript and CSS. The most important skills for a software design engineer are software development, python, and software design.
| Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $98,799 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $47.50 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 315,080 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
A software design engineer or SDE is part of a software development enterprise. Software design engineers determine the problems or issues and figure out how to establish programs to ease and automate the situations. They fabricate style sheets for the management of the individual aspects of huge engineering projects. It is their job to develop strategies for hardware architecture and software engineering. They also handle and mentor engineering interns for professional guidance.
Programmers and software design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $98,799 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $74,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a programmer and a software design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between programmers' and software design engineers' demographics:
| Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |