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The differences between software applications engineers and lead engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software applications engineer, becoming a lead engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software applications engineer has an average salary of $104,885, which is higher than the $84,927 average annual salary of a lead engineer.
The top three skills for a software applications engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a lead engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Software Applications Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,885 | $84,927 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $40.83 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 325,329 | 301,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A software application engineer specializes in designing and developing software, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their needs and preferences, coordinating with different engineers and specialists, installing and repairing systems, devising tests and execution structures, and conducting maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance. They may also improve existing software and provide customers with regular technical support. Furthermore, in a company setting, a software application engineer may have the task of producing progress reports, maintaining databases, and devising training programs for employees.
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Software applications engineers and lead engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Applications Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,885 | $84,927 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $141,000 | Between $60,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a software applications engineer and a lead engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Applications Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software applications engineers' and lead engineers' demographics:
| Software Applications Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |