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The differences between senior computer engineers and senior software engineers lead 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 engineer lead takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior software engineer lead has an average salary of $129,060, which is higher than the $127,660 average annual salary of a senior computer engineer.
The top three skills for a senior computer engineer include C++, CAD and infrastructure. The most important skills for a senior software engineer lead are java, architecture, and software development.
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Engineer Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $127,660 | $129,060 |
| Hourly rate | $61.38 | $62.05 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 42,662 | 322,973 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 engineer lead is responsible for overseeing the software creation process. They analyze projects, rectify errors, interpret project requirements, and develop detailed designs. They must create reports of all weekly tasks and ensure best practices are followed by their team.
Senior computer engineers and senior software engineers lead have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Engineer Lead | |
| Average salary | $127,660 | $129,060 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $173,000 | Between $96,000 And $173,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | PitchBook Data |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a senior computer engineer and a senior software engineer lead in terms of educational background:
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Engineer Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 engineers lead' demographics:
| Senior Computer Engineer | Senior Software Engineer Lead | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7% | Male, 79.0% Female, 21.0% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 33.4% White, 48.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |