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The differences between senior systems engineers and software systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a senior systems engineer, becoming a software systems engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior systems engineer has an average salary of $108,121, which is higher than the $107,102 average annual salary of a software systems engineer.
The top three skills for a senior systems engineer include architecture, linux and java. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Senior Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $108,121 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $51.98 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 166,742 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A senior systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.
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 systems engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $108,121 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $141,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Roku | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a senior systems engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior systems engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Senior Systems Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% 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% |