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The differences between senior desktop engineers and senior 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 desktop engineer and a senior software engineer. Additionally, a senior desktop engineer has an average salary of $114,786, which is higher than the $114,494 average annual salary of a senior software engineer.
The top three skills for a senior desktop engineer include SCCM, powershell and infrastructure. The most important skills for a senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,786 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $55.19 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 264,973 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| 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.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Senior desktop engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,786 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $151,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Bloomberg | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a senior desktop engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between senior desktop engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.9% Female, 6.1% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |