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The differences between senior software engineers and software systems engineers 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 systems engineer. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, which is higher than the $107,102 average annual salary of a software systems engineer.
The top three skills for a senior software engineer include java, python and javascript. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,494 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $55.05 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 338,989 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Senior software engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,494 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $151,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a senior software engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 systems engineers' demographics:
| Senior Software Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |