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The differences between senior computer engineers and senior software development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a senior computer engineer, becoming a senior software development engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior computer engineer has an average salary of $127,660, which is higher than the $116,926 average annual salary of a senior software development engineer.
The top three skills for a senior computer engineer include C++, CAD and infrastructure. The most important skills for a senior software development engineer are java, software development, and python.
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $127,660 | $116,926 |
| Hourly rate | $61.38 | $56.21 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 42,662 | 346,833 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A senior computer engineer's main goal is to conduct research and design different types of computer hardware and software systems. They must know to manage servers and create automation in projects. They should also know how to resolve network issues and troubleshoot problems.
A senior software development engineer specializes in leading the efforts in designing and developing software and information systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing existing computer systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, testing new designs, and performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of operations, improving them to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, as a senior software development engineer, it is essential to monitor and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Senior computer engineers and senior software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $127,660 | $116,926 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $173,000 | Between $87,000 And $156,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior computer engineer and a senior software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior computer engineers' and senior software development engineers' demographics:
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 29.7% White, 50.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.6% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |