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The differences between software applications engineers and senior applications 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 senior applications engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior applications engineer has an average salary of $107,989, which is higher than the $104,885 average annual salary of a software applications engineer.
The top three skills for a software applications engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a senior applications engineer are java, C++, and database.
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,885 | $107,989 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $51.92 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 325,329 | 274,466 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Software applications engineers and senior applications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,885 | $107,989 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $141,000 | Between $84,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a software applications engineer and a senior applications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software applications engineers' and senior applications engineers' demographics:
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Applications Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| 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, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |