Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between software applications engineers and senior systems 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 systems software engineer. Additionally, a senior systems software engineer has an average salary of $122,275, 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 systems software engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,885 | $122,275 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $58.79 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 325,329 | 359,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Software applications engineers and senior systems software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,885 | $122,275 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $141,000 | Between $91,000 And $163,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software applications engineer and a senior systems software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software applications engineers' and senior systems software engineers' demographics:
| Software Applications Engineer | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2% | Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5% |
| 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, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |