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Quantitative analyst vs software engineer

The differences between quantitative analysts and 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 quantitative analyst and a software engineer. Additionally, a quantitative analyst has an average salary of $101,197, which is higher than the $100,260 average annual salary of a software engineer.

The top three skills for a quantitative analyst include python, SAS and risk management. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.

Quantitative analyst vs software engineer overview

Quantitative AnalystSoftware Engineer
Yearly salary$101,197$100,260
Hourly rate$48.65$48.20
Growth rate9%21%
Number of jobs48,644339,938
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4039
Years of experience44

What does a quantitative analyst do?

A quantitative analyst is trained to gather quantitative methods to help companies do business and make other related decisions. In the world of trading, quantitative analysts are in demand. It is their job as quantitative analysts to help banks value their securities. They identify cost-effective investment opportunities and measure risk. They can also work for the insurance companies to develop pricing models and assess risk evaluation strategies. Also, some quantitative analysts work on the back end to enhance computer software and to evaluate financial data.

What does a software engineer do?

A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.

Quantitative analyst vs software engineer salary

Quantitative analysts and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Quantitative AnalystSoftware Engineer
Average salary$101,197$100,260
Salary rangeBetween $68,000 And $148,000Between $73,000 And $136,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Bruno, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyThe CitadelThe Citadel
Best paying industryTechnologyStart-up

Differences between quantitative analyst and software engineer education

There are a few differences between a quantitative analyst and a software engineer in terms of educational background:

Quantitative AnalystSoftware Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorFinanceComputer Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Notre DameHarvard University

Quantitative analyst vs software engineer demographics

Here are the differences between quantitative analysts' and software engineers' demographics:

Quantitative AnalystSoftware Engineer
Average age4039
Gender ratioMale, 79.5% Female, 20.5%Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage7%8%

Differences between quantitative analyst and software engineer duties and responsibilities

Quantitative analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage and update early engagement processes daily through SharePoint.
  • Develop C++ codes and unix shell scripts in linux environment.
  • Perform extensive data and statistical analysis using advance packages like SAS to provide business solutions.
  • Develop predictive models using logistic regression and CHAID to target existing and prospective customers for catalog mailing events and online campaigns.
  • Create the next generation distribute C++ mortgage analytics library with Intex.
  • Present the visualization of results with Google motion charts and maps to UNDP representatives
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Software engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage product releases, solve software bugs in a client/server environment, write UNIX shell scripts to manage development environments.
  • Manage responsive UI design, implementing complex, dynamic functionality.
  • Define continuous integration process and configure Jenkins build server to manage it.
  • Develop a python serial communication program to automate test procedures and verify proper operation.
  • Manage website/software/mobile applications by generating full scope requirements base upon PMI / SDLC guidance.
  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
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Quantitative analyst vs software engineer skills

Common quantitative analyst skills
  • Python, 13%
  • SAS, 8%
  • Risk Management, 7%
  • Model Development, 5%
  • Statistical Models, 5%
  • C++, 4%
Common software engineer skills
  • Java, 15%
  • Python, 9%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Database, 3%
  • GIT, 3%
  • Object Oriented Programming, 3%

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