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Robotics engineer vs software engineer

The differences between robotics engineers 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 robotics engineer and a software engineer. Additionally, a robotics engineer has an average salary of $101,208, which is higher than the $100,260 average annual salary of a software engineer.

The top three skills for a robotics engineer include python, linux and CAD. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.

Robotics engineer vs software engineer overview

Robotics EngineerSoftware Engineer
Yearly salary$101,208$100,260
Hourly rate$48.66$48.20
Growth rate2%21%
Number of jobs61,819339,938
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4339
Years of experience44

What does a robotics engineer do?

A robotics engineer is responsible for designing robotic systems to support humans and businesses with their daily activities and operations using various technology systems and metal components. Robotics engineers run multiple diagnostic tests on the machines, identify inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting procedures for defective system components. They also configure the robot's features regularly, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy through different stages of production. A robotics engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, including analytical expertise, to monitor cost-estimates and maintain the project within the budget goals.

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.

Robotics engineer vs software engineer salary

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

Robotics EngineerSoftware Engineer
Average salary$101,208$100,260
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $144,000Between $73,000 And $136,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Bruno, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaThe Citadel
Best paying industryInternetStart-up

Differences between robotics engineer and software engineer education

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

Robotics EngineerSoftware Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringComputer Science
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityHarvard University

Robotics engineer vs software engineer demographics

Here are the differences between robotics engineers' and software engineers' demographics:

Robotics EngineerSoftware Engineer
Average age4339
Gender ratioMale, 93.0% Female, 7.0%Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 17.9% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%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 Percentage5%8%

Differences between robotics engineer and software engineer duties and responsibilities

Robotics engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage: client presentations; robotic configuration designs; welding/cutting/assembly programs; trade show exhibitions.
  • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
  • Develop automated test benches using C++ and MATLAB with capabilities to analyze the sensor data.
  • Provide design documentation and mechanical engineering support for the chemical industry using AutoCAD software
  • Design the speed bump camera system in SolidWorks.
  • Provide engineering support of robotic arm operations for NASA shuttle missions.
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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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Robotics engineer vs software engineer skills

Common robotics engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Linux, 7%
  • CAD, 6%
  • ROS, 6%
  • PLC, 5%
  • MATLAB, 5%
Common software engineer skills
  • Java, 15%
  • Python, 9%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Database, 3%
  • GIT, 3%
  • Object Oriented Programming, 3%

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