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The differences between senior systems security engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a senior systems security engineer and an engineer. Additionally, a senior systems security engineer has an average salary of $112,486, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a senior systems security engineer include DOD, security engineering and RMF. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Senior Systems Security Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,486 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $54.08 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 136,367 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A senior systems security engineer maintains the safety and security of an organization's computer systems and network databases to safeguard them from unauthorized access and data breaches. The professional is also responsible for performing system configuration, ensuring the efficiency of computer networks, and increasing the optimal performance of complex systems. The core skills that a senior systems security engineer should possess include strong problem-solving and analytical skills and a keen eye for details. The education requirements for the position include a college or bachelor's degree in the field of computer systems security, computer science, and information technology.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Senior systems security engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Systems Security Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $112,486 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $83,000 And $151,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Credit Karma | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior systems security engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Systems Security Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between senior systems security engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Senior Systems Security Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |