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What is a senior subject matter expert and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Christian Hansen Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a senior subject matter expert. For example, did you know that they make an average of $48.68 an hour? That's $101,260 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 9% and produce 56,000 job opportunities across the U.S.

What's a day at work look like for a senior subject matter expert?

Christian Hansen Ph.D.Christian Hansen Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor and Department Chair, Eastern Washington University

In the post-pandemic era, a typical workday for a recent graduate will likely involve some form of remote work. I predict that many businesses will benefit from the reduced cost of remote infrastructure compared to the cost of maintaining brick and mortar office space. Many new graduates will continue to spend their day on a computer while collaborating in teams via Zoom and other teleconference tools. People working in disciplines that have traditionally been "on the ground" will move towards more hybrid modes of work, reducing the need for travel and participating in face-to-face meetings and training.
ScoreSenior Subject Matter ExpertUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $101,260

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 18.69%

Black or African American 10.15%

Hispanic or Latino 10.93%

Unknown 5.00%

White 55.03%

Gender

female 28.26%

male 71.74%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior subject matter expert career paths

Key steps to become a senior subject matter expert

  1. Explore senior subject matter expert education requirements

    Most common senior subject matter expert degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.7 %

    Master's

    18.2 %

    Associate

    11.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior subject matter expert skills

    SkillsPercentages
    SME13.64%
    Java11.76%
    DOD8.15%
    Subject Matter Experts5.54%
    C++4.99%
  3. Complete relevant senior subject matter expert training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior subject matter experts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior subject matter expert based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior subject matter expert resumes.
  4. Research senior subject matter expert duties and responsibilities

    • Integrate Abbott custom NFC reading and data managing API's to activate and scan NFC patch.
    • Develop interfaces to manage the framework using windows services; develop web-applications to manage the process (including starting/stopping/pausing activities).
    • Project name DCM (linux migration )
    • Plan integration of mechanical, electrical and RF system components.
  5. Get senior subject matter expert experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior subject matter expert. The most common roles before becoming a senior subject matter expert include subject matter expert, software engineer team lead and senior project manager.
  6. Prepare your senior subject matter expert resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior subject matter expert resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior subject matter expert resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior subject matter expert resume templates

    Build a professional senior subject matter expert resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior subject matter expert resume.
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
    Senior Subject Matter Expert Resume
  7. Apply for senior subject matter expert jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior subject matter expert job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior subject matter expert job

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Average senior subject matter expert salary

The average senior subject matter expert salary in the United States is $101,260 per year or $49 per hour. Senior subject matter expert salaries range between $79,000 and $128,000 per year.

Average senior subject matter expert salary
$101,260 Yearly
$48.68 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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