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The differences between senior information systems engineers and senior software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a senior information systems engineer, becoming a senior software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, which is higher than the $113,965 average annual salary of a senior information systems engineer.
The top three skills for a senior information systems engineer include NIST, linux and DOD. The most important skills for a senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Senior Information Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $113,965 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $54.79 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 168,069 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A senior information systems engineer deals with technical issues. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, including organizational abilities and written and verbal communication skills. They are responsible for resolving escalated service issues, maintaining the technology of their assigned accounts, coaching other engineers for resolutions, documenting maintenance for all computer systems and network infrastructure, performing network assessments and security audits and new client consultation, and implementing complex projects.
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 information systems engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Information Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $113,965 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $161,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Retail |
There are a few differences between a senior information systems engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Information Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between senior information systems engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Senior Information Systems Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 10.8% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 9% | 8% |