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The differences between senior stack engineers and senior software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a senior stack engineer, becoming a senior software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior stack engineer has an average salary of $122,731, which is higher than the $114,494 average annual salary of a senior software engineer.
The top three skills for a senior stack engineer include java, javascript and python. The most important skills for a senior software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Senior Stack Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $122,731 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $59.01 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 97,166 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
A senior stack engineer is responsible for creating and designing servers and managing user interface on web applications. Senior stack engineers develop interactive functionalities and features for the database to support the business operation processes. They also modify existing web systems, upgrade network infrastructure, and set up configurations. A senior stack engineer must have excellent technical and computer skills to ensure smooth navigation for servers, as well as a strong command of programming languages to write and test codes.
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 stack engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Stack Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $122,731 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $91,000 And $164,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Retail |
There are a few differences between a senior stack engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Stack Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between senior stack engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Senior Stack Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 16.9% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 5% | 8% |