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The differences between senior directors, product development and directors of software development can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 8-10 years to become a senior director, product development, becoming a director of software development takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior director, product development has an average salary of $160,980, which is higher than the $158,853 average annual salary of a director of software development.
The top three skills for a senior director, product development include project management, product development and digital marketing. The most important skills for a director of software development are java, software development, and cloud.
| Senior Director, Product Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Yearly salary | $160,980 | $158,853 |
| Hourly rate | $77.39 | $76.37 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 160,867 | 136,310 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 8 |
A senior director of product development spearheads and oversees the product development operations of a company. They have the responsibility to manage product development teams, set goals, establish guidelines and timelines, liaise with key external parties, coordinate managers, and address issues and concerns, resolving them efficiently. They also have the authority to come up with decisions and delegate responsibilities among teams and staff. Moreover, as a senior director, product development, it is essential to implement policies and regulations, developing new ones that support the company's needs, vision, and mission.
A director of software development is primarily in charge of overseeing the workflow and the workforce involved in the entire software development process. Their responsibilities also include creating strategies for optimal performance, coordinating with different teams and departments to identify strengths and weaknesses, implementing training and workshop programs, and liaising with external agencies, including key clients. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach new heights.
Senior directors, product development and directors of software development have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Director, Product Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average salary | $160,980 | $158,853 |
| Salary range | Between $107,000 And $241,000 | Between $110,000 And $228,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Genentech | eBay |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior director, product development and a director of software development in terms of educational background:
| Senior Director, Product Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between senior directors, product development' and directors of software development' demographics:
| Senior Director, Product Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.2% Female, 28.8% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 15.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 11% |