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The differences between senior desktop engineers and senior systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a senior desktop engineer, becoming a senior systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior desktop engineer has an average salary of $114,786, which is higher than the $108,121 average annual salary of a senior systems engineer.
The top three skills for a senior desktop engineer include SCCM, powershell and infrastructure. The most important skills for a senior systems engineer are architecture, linux, and java.
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,786 | $108,121 |
| Hourly rate | $55.19 | $51.98 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 264,973 | 166,742 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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 systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.
Senior desktop engineers and senior systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,786 | $108,121 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $151,000 | Between $82,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bloomberg | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a senior desktop engineer and a senior systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between senior desktop engineers' and senior systems engineers' demographics:
| Senior Desktop Engineer | Senior Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.9% Female, 6.1% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| 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, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |