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The differences between senior software engineers and software engineering managers 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 software engineer and a software engineering manager. Additionally, a software engineering manager has an average salary of $140,929, which is higher than the $114,494 average annual salary of a senior software engineer.
The top three skills for a senior software engineer include java, python and javascript. The most important skills for a software engineering manager are java, software development, and software engineering.
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $114,494 | $140,929 |
| Hourly rate | $55.05 | $67.75 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 338,989 | 262,296 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 software engineering manager oversees the team involved in computer and software development. Typically, it is their responsibility to design and create software applications in collaboration with fellow skilled engineers in the group. Their duties revolve around devising strategies and designs, producing progress reports, monitoring the documentation processes, preparing presentations, and assessing workforce performance. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to meet goals and standards while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Senior software engineers and software engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $114,494 | $140,929 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $151,000 | Between $100,000 And $198,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior software engineer and a software engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior software engineers' and software engineering managers' demographics:
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |