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The differences between senior computer scientists and senior systems 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 senior computer scientist and a senior systems software engineer. Additionally, a senior computer scientist has an average salary of $139,644, which is higher than the $122,275 average annual salary of a senior systems software engineer.
The top three skills for a senior computer scientist include python, java and software development. The most important skills for a senior systems software engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Senior Computer Scientist | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $139,644 | $122,275 |
| Hourly rate | $67.14 | $58.79 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 68,226 | 359,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A senior computer scientist is extensively involved in conducting research and solving various computer problems. They work as a part of a research team with programmers, IT professionals, and software engineers to create new products. Their primary goal is creating software that can interact with people and other computers.
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Senior computer scientists and senior systems software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Computer Scientist | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $139,644 | $122,275 |
| Salary range | Between $102,000 And $190,000 | Between $91,000 And $163,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Oregon |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior computer scientist and a senior systems software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Computer Scientist | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between senior computer scientists' and senior systems software engineers' demographics:
| Senior Computer Scientist | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 18.8% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |