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The differences between senior software managers and directors of software development can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a senior software manager and a director of software development. Additionally, a director of software development has an average salary of $158,853, which is higher than the $145,610 average annual salary of a senior software manager.
The top three skills for a senior software manager include software development, java and cycle management. The most important skills for a director of software development are java, software development, and cloud.
| Senior Software Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Yearly salary | $145,610 | $158,853 |
| Hourly rate | $70.00 | $76.37 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 139,282 | 136,310 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
A senior software manager leads a testing team. They are responsible for counseling junior staff, managing resources, conducting software testing, and ensuring quality standards are met. This position requires someone who is resourceful and dynamic. They must also hold an advanced degree.
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 software managers and directors of software development have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average salary | $145,610 | $158,853 |
| Salary range | Between $107,000 And $197,000 | Between $110,000 And $228,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | eBay | eBay |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior software manager and a director of software development in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between senior software managers' and directors of software development' demographics:
| Senior Software Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 20.4% White, 60.0% 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 | 11% | 11% |