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The differences between software applications engineers and senior software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a software applications engineer and a senior software engineer. Additionally, a senior software engineer has an average salary of $114,494, 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 software engineer are java, python, and javascript.
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,885 | $114,494 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $55.05 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 325,329 | 338,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Software applications engineers and senior software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,885 | $114,494 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $141,000 | Between $86,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a software applications engineer and a senior software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software applications engineers' and senior software engineers' demographics:
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |