Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between senior software engineers and senior applications 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 software engineer, becoming a senior applications engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, which is higher than the $107,989 average annual salary of a senior applications engineer.
The top three skills for a senior software engineer include java, python and javascript. The most important skills for a senior applications engineer are java, C++, and database.
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,494 | $107,989 |
| Hourly rate | $55.05 | $51.92 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 338,989 | 274,466 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Senior software engineers and senior applications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,494 | $107,989 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $151,000 | Between $84,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a senior software engineer and a senior applications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between senior software engineers' and senior applications engineers' demographics:
| Senior Software Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |