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The differences between senior desktop engineers and senior software development 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 desktop engineer and a senior software development engineer. Additionally, a senior software development engineer has an average salary of $116,926, which is higher than the $114,786 average annual salary of a senior desktop engineer.
The top three skills for a senior desktop engineer include SCCM, powershell and infrastructure. The most important skills for a senior software development engineer are java, software development, and python.
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,786 | $116,926 |
| Hourly rate | $55.19 | $56.21 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 264,973 | 346,833 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A senior desktop engineer identifies problems within computer systems and troubleshoots technical issues. They may also be responsible for creating software images, developing software, and updating schedules. This position requires knowledge in network troubleshooting, DNA storage, and problem-solving skills.
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 desktop engineers and senior software development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,786 | $116,926 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $151,000 | Between $87,000 And $156,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bloomberg | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior desktop engineer and a senior software development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior desktop engineers' and senior software development engineers' demographics:
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.9% Female, 6.1% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 8% |